Globally, 500 million people struggle to manage their periods
Menstruation is natural. But it’s surrounded by stigma, causing people to feel shame and be excluded. Eighty-three per cent of young Canadians who menstruate have tried to hide the fact that they were on their periods2. In many regions of the world, menstruators face exclusion during their periods. In Nepal, nearly all menstruators stayed away from religious work and temples3. And in parts of India and Ethiopia many are exiled from their home4.
The problem doesn’t end there. Pads and tampons are unaffordable for millions of people.
In the US, nearly one-quarter of students struggle to afford period products5. Instead, many resort to things like socks, clothing, and newspapers. This puts them at risk of life-threatening health problems. Even if you can afford adequate products, some menstruators don’t have access to safe and private facilities to change their pads or tampons. In Kenya, only 32% of rural schools have a private place to change pads or tampons6.
These statistics are alarming. No one should be ashamed of their period. It shouldn’t be an economic burden. And it certainly shouldn’t be life-threatening.
INCREASE PERIOD HEALTH
To put an end to this injustice we must increase period equity. Paving the way are charities that are increasing access to menstruation products, creating safe and private hygiene facilities, advocating on behalf of those with periods, and providing health education.
People are beginning to speak openly about periods, and removing barriers to affordable (and sometimes free) menstruation products. We need your help to keep the momentum going. Join us!
END POVERTY. INCREASE EQUITY.
Help create an equitable world and donate to the Period Equity Fund today.
Your support will help ensure no one is ever excluded from activities or feels anxious about their periods. It will also increase access to menstruation products, meaning people won’t have to choose between food or pads.
Join us in the fight to end period poverty. No one should ever be held back and left behind. Give today!
ABOUT the PERIOD EQUITY FUND
The Period Equity Fund includes 12 registered Canadian charities that are addressing period poverty nationally and internationally. We regularly update the list of charities in the Period Equity Relief Fund. To see the latest list of charities included in the Fund, please download the list here.
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