Period Poverty and the Non-profit Sector: Bridging the Gap

If you have a roof over your head, a clean bathroom, and three square meals a day, you are probably lucky. Why? Because for many people worldwide, the bare minimum is still a luxury. What we take for granted in our everyday lives is still a distant dream for many, and menstrual hygiene facilities are one of those things. The lack of access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints is known as period poverty, and it can have detrimental consequences on a person’s dignity, health, and overall well-being. Many women still have no idea about what is a menstrual cup or how to use a silky cup, which raises the question of whether financial limitations are the only reason behind period poverty. To find out more, let’s dig deeper and discover how various non-profit organizations are playing an instrumental role in bridging the gap!

Understanding Period Poverty

Do you know many women facing period poverty resort to using unsanitary alternatives like rags, newspapers, leaves, or even ash while putting their health at risk? Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products is one of the biggest concerns for a nation because women make up half of the population, and lack of adequate access to menstrual hygiene products means infections, and discomfort that impede a woman’s ability to participate in daily activities like work and education. Young girls in underdeveloped areas and less fortunate families drop out of school as soon as they start menstruating because the shame surrounding menstruation confines women in a red bubble where they struggle to hide stains, pain, and whatnot.

How can NGOs Help?

Non-profit organizations can play a pivotal role in eradicating period poverty by promoting and distributing menstrual cups. These reusable, eco-friendly devices offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for managing menstruation. NGOs can educate women and girls about the benefits of menstrual cups, provide training on proper usage, and distribute them to those in need. By offering a long-lasting, hygienic, and affordable alternative to disposable sanitary products, these organizations empower women to take control of their menstrual health, ensuring dignity and reducing the financial burden associated with period poverty. The promotion of menstrual cups not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

One of the most enormous issues surrounding period poverty in India is ignorance. Women still have to live in the shadow of shame when it comes to periods. They can’t talk to anyone about the issues they face during their menstruation because periods are a subject encapsulated in taboos. Several stereotypes prevent them from living a normal life during their periods, let alone being the best versions of themselves. The answer? The answer is awareness and help from non-profit organizations in helping women make their periods easier with sustainable period products like an organic menstrual cup. Although most women still search for how to use a menstrual cup with pictures, with a bit of practice, they can ace using a period cup without any setbacks, and once they do, there’s no turning back!