what is period poverty

Period poverty is a term used to describe a lack of access to proper menstrual products and the education needed to use them effectively. It is a widespread issue that affects an estimated 500 million people worldwide. The causes of period poverty are numerous and include social, cultural, economic, and political barriers to accessing menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities. The consequences of period poverty are far-reaching and include physical, mental, and emotional challenges, as well as missed school or work and low self-esteem. Period poverty is an issue that deals heavily with gender equality and economic justice worldwide. It affects not only menstruating people in lower-income countries but also those in higher-income countries. Governments and other actors have tackled period poverty worldwide, both separate from and within the proliferation of gender equality.