Menustration: a Policy Issue

By: Jess Dinh, Haddonfield Memorial High School

This review article examines the issue of period poverty and the pressing need for policy reform to support women and girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Many individuals from these backgrounds face difficulties affording basic menstrual products such as pads and tampons, while also lacking access to proper sanitation facilities and menstrual health education. The analysis focuses on three critical areas: taxation, education, and stigmatization. High taxes on menstrual products exacerbate financial barriers, while inadequate education on menstrual health perpetuates ignorance and limited support. Additionally, cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation contribute to shame and silence, further complicating efforts to address the issue. Research, including studies on the mental health impacts of period poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been implemented to show the significant psychological and social consequences of this issue. The paper calls for governments to take action by reducing taxes on menstrual products, enhancing menstrual health education, and actively combating stigmatization in order to effectively address period poverty on a global scale.