By Alexis Shoats
Period products are too expensive. Have you ever heard of period poverty?
If you’ve never heard of period poverty, chances are you probably still know someone whether it is a neighbor, friend, or family member who has experienced this. Period poverty is an individual’s inability to purchase or access period products. In a study done in 2021, U by Kotex in partnership with the Alliance for Period Supplies, surveyed women about their difficulties accessing menstrual and sanitation products. Research shows that 1 in 5 people in the United States struggle to purchase these products, and Black and Latina women have a more difficult time than other groups.
So what happens if women don’t have access to these products? Well, they will resort to using unhygienic options such as socks or old rags, and sometimes women leave in tampons longer than recommended. This can lead to urinary tract infections, skin irritations as well as mental health issues. Women have reported being depressed or anxious as a result of not having the funds to purchase hygienic options. We all know the scarcity of resources and funds impacts our mental health, period poverty is no different. It is a combination of the two and a sad reality for many women.
"One of the two main causes for this occurring is the stigma that
still surrounds menstruation. Due to socio-cultural stigmas, women
have felt ashamed or embarrassed to speak about their menstrual. "
We’ve all probably hidden our tampons or pads when walking to the restroom for fear of someone noticing. This also includes jokes surrounding women’s cramps or PMS, and lastly, the various ways we acknowledge periods. For example, “that time of the month” and “Mother Nature is paying me a visit”. These actions collectively have hindered our responsibility in normalizing menstruation, and as a result, many women who do not have the funds are embarrassed to ask for help.
In addition to the stigma menstruation products are labeled as luxury items, not basic necessities. Although it varies depending on the state, there are a couple of sales taxes that are up to 7% on these items. So to put things into context, your makeup or electronics probably have the same tax rate as a period product. As a result of this tax, Advocacy groups such as the Alliance for Period Supplies and PERIOD are mobilizing citizens and calling for an end to this tax. In addition to educating the public on this topic, they also supply products across the nation for teens and adults.
While there have been a few legislative wins, this is still an uphill battle that we hope to see rule in the favor of women for a change.
Comments