In the global conversation around gender inequality, two issues often overlooked in
tandem are period poverty and violence against women. These interconnected
challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing
inequalities and limiting opportunities for girls and women.
Understanding Period Poverty:
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education,
and facilities. For many girls and women, this means missing school or work, facing
stigma, and even resorting to risky behaviors to obtain basic menstrual supplies. The
consequences are dire—not just for individual health, but for broader societal structures.
A Shocking Reality in Kenya
In rural western Kenya, where 63% of the population survives on less than one dollar a
day, a staggering 10% of girls aged 15 or younger reported engaging in transactional
sex to acquire menstrual pads. This troubling statistic highlights how period poverty can
force young girls into situations that expose them to further violence and exploitation
(Journal of Women's Health, 2014). The desperation for menstrual products becomes a
catalyst for sexual exploitation, linking economic hardship with gender-based violence.
The Impact in Nepal:
Similarly, a study conducted in Nepal found that nearly three out of four women (72.3%)
reported experiencing high menstrual restriction, which includes limitations imposed by
husbands or in-laws. Interestingly, the study revealed that intimate partner violence
(IPV) did not have a significant association with these menstrual restrictions (BMJ Sex
Reprod Health, 2019). This indicates that the roots of menstrual stigma and restriction
are complex, potentially arising from cultural norms rather than direct abuse, yet they
still contribute to a landscape where women's autonomy is curtailed.
Education, Early Marriage, and Violence
The cycle of period poverty is often intertwined with a lack of education. Young girls who
do not receive an education are more likely to enter into child marriages, face early
pregnancies, and experience domestic violence. This is a vicious cycle that perpetuates
not only poverty but also gender-based violence (Journal of Women's Health, 2014).
Without education, girls miss the chance to advocate for their needs, including basic
health and hygiene.
Breaking the Cycle:
Addressing period poverty requires comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes
of gender inequality. Initiatives could include:
1. Education: Providing education about menstruation to both genders to dismantle
stigma.
2. Access to Products: Ensuring affordable and accessible menstrual products for
all.
3. Support Systems: Creating safe environments for menstruators in schools and
workplaces.
4. Policy Changes: Advocating for policies that address both period poverty and
gender-based violence in tandem.
Conclusion:
The intersection of period poverty and violence against women reveals a complex web
of social injustice that must be addressed holistically. By recognizing the unique
challenges faced by women and marginalized genders during menstruation, we can
advocate for systemic change. Breaking this cycle is essential not just for health and
dignity, but for empowering future generations to live free from violence and
discrimination.
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