Period Poverty from a Public Health and Legislative Perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Period poverty is a significant global issue with far-reaching health consequences.
• It affects nearly half the world's population, impacting physiological, emotional, and psychosocial well-being.
• Contributing factors include stigma, cultural beliefs, and systemic inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight period poverty as a public health crisis.
• To underscore its connection to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• To identify key stakeholders and advocate for comprehensive solutions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on period poverty.
• Analysis of the multifaceted impacts on menstruators.
• Identification of systemic barriers and contributing factors.

Main Results:

• Period poverty negatively affects health across physiological, emotional, and psychosocial domains.
• It is exacerbated by biases, stigma, and systemic factors.
• Disproportionate impacts are experienced by certain menstruator populations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing period poverty requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers.
• Policy changes supporting access to menstrual hygiene products and education are crucial.
• Global programs focused on capacity building and sustainability can serve as models for empowerment and menstrual equity.