The global state of period poverty

We believe every person that menstruates deserves access to period products, as well as the medical support and advice they may need during menstruation.

Yet for girls living in poverty, the thought of getting their period produces feelings of fear and dread. Simple tasks like leaving the house, going to school and just playing with friends are made impossible when they’re on their period due to the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation across the globe.

Keep reading to learn more about the state of period poverty around the world, and how you can help girls affected by a lack of access to sanitary products.

What is period poverty?

Period Poverty is one of the leading causes of girls missing school – due to teasing, embarrassment or lack of facilities, including sanitary products and toilets.

When period products aren’t readily available, girls are forced to use makeshift items to manage their periods. This experience is all too prevalent in low-income countries, where girls use old rags, toilet paper, and even newspapers in place of sanitary pads.

And when these fail, boys in class tease and laugh at them, leading to many girls leaving school altogether.

Group of boys and girls from Bangladesh celebrating their community work — In Bangladesh, we're ensuring girls have free access to sanitary products and sanitation facilities at school

The global state of period poverty

Every day, 300 million people around the world are menstruating. In fact, every person born female spends an average of seven years of their life menstruating.

For those living in poverty, that time of the month can be unbearable, debilitating and dangerous. And it isn’t just embarrassing or humiliating, it can cause health problems such as infections, as well as mental health stresses like anxiety. Not having access to medical help and advice can cause undiagnosed menstrual problems to worsen.

Who is affected by period poverty?

Worldwide, 1.2 billion women  lack access to basic sanitation, including toilets, water taps, and sanitary items needed to manage their period easily and without worry. Even in the UK, over a quarter of women struggle with period poverty, a number that we consider to be far too high.

Statistics in the UK

Back in 2021, the British Government abolished VAT on period products, also known as the “tampon tax”. This decision was based on the agreement that menstrual products will no longer be classed as a luxury, non-essential item.

According to YouGov, 55% of women in the UK believe removing the tampon tax hasn’t been effective in alleviating period poverty. Since then, Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period products free to “anyone who needs them”. The Period Products Act, established in 2022, ensures free products can be accessed through councils and education providers.

Period poverty in low-income countries

Around half of the schools in low-income countries lack the adequate facilities girls and female teachers need to manage menstruation. This includes access to adequate sanitation facilities, menstrual hygiene products and the opportunities to learn about managing their menstrual cycle.

In India, a quarter of the girls don’t attend school during menstruation due to the lack of adequate toilets.
In South Sudan, 57% of adolescent girls reported staying home during menstruation because of the schools’ lack of private changing rooms.
In Kenya, 70% of menstruating girls reported that their period negatively impacts their school grades.
In Bangladesh, only 32% of girls knew about menstruation before their first period.

How World Vision helps girls like Suzan

World Vision is working in nearly 100 countries, ensuring that no girl has to live in period poverty. From improving menstrual hygiene and education to better access to sanitation facilities, we’re supporting young girls to overcome the barriers she faces.

Teenage girl from Uganda holding up a sanitary pad she made in class, while smiling

We must end the taboo around periods

Suzan, 14, lives in Uganda with her siblings and uncle. She still has vivid memories of her first period, feeling humiliated and underprepared.

It was when she stood to answer a teacher’s question, that she discovered her school uniform was stained with menstrual blood. “I still hear the children laughing at me,” Suzan laments. “I didn’t know what had happened. I remember running out of class in shame and never wanting to return.”

Unfortunately, this story is all too familiar for girls like Suzan. Girls who aren’t ready for their period, lacking access to essential hygiene kits and missing out on education due to the stigma around menstruation.

But this story has got to change.

Two Ugandan school boys smiling and holding up handmade sanitary pads

Training boys and men is important too

World Vision is helping girls make their own reusable sanitary pads. And we’re getting boys and men involved too.

We deliberately involve them in menstrual hygiene management training to increase their understanding of menstrual cycles and reduce the taboo surrounding it. Something Suzan is benefiting from directly.

Since sharing the training with her uncle and siblings, she worries less and doesn’t feel ashamed. “Everyone at home is a menstruation expert. They all understand what it is and how to support each other when it happens,” she explains with a smile.

READ MORE: How to make reusable sanitary pads

Join us to end period poverty

Having access to menstrual products and adequate facilities is a human right. But millions of people can’t afford period products or don’t have the essential menstrual hygiene knowledge needed to manage their periods safely.

By sponsoring a girl, you can help girls live a life free from fear. Our Child Sponsorship programmes work with communities to change harmful social norms and create a world where girls know their rights.

You can help a girl stay in school, and access better materials and facilities for managing her menstrual cycle.

I'll sponsor a girl