According to American University, as many as 500 million women across the globe are deprived of access to basic bathroom facilities and menstrual products during their menstrual cycles. Menstruation is a natural biological process, making period products a necessity, not a luxury, for those who menstruate. Period products are expensive, however, the economic strain is left heavily on low-income individuals and families interrupting their lives, rights, and freedoms.
These products should be free because they are a necessity, not a luxury, to women. Just like toilet paper or soap, menstrual products are essential when it comes to hygiene. Many people struggle to afford these products, which leads to something called “period poverty,” where women have to choose between menstrual products or other necessities like food. This can very negatively affect health, education, and daily life.
Women already face a wage gap, earning less than men for doing the same amount of work. This makes it noticeably difficult for women, especially those in low-income jobs. The cost of pads, tampons, and other products adds up over a lifetime, placing an unfair burden on women. Making these products free would help alleviate some of this economic strain, making sure that nobody has to choose between buying food or products for their health.
In addition, some countries, such as Scotland have already implemented legislation to make period products free. According to a survey conducted by the Scottish government, 77% of women reported that they felt more able to continue with day-to-day activities and 64% reported that it had a positive impact on their household finances. Ultimately, releasing this financial burden has helped female citizens with their overall quality of life.
This lack of access to period products not only affects health but also disrupts other areas of life. Many students who cannot afford these products are forced to miss school during their periods, creating gaps in their learning experiences. According to Always, 1 in 5 girls in the U.S. alone missed school due to the lack of access to period products. Missing school days can lead to lower academic performances, making it harder for these students to succeed in their education. This issue also extends to the workplace. Employees experiencing period poverty may have to call off work or find it difficult to focus on their work due to discomfort. Missing a day of work, especially for low-income workers, can result in lost wages. By providing free products in workplaces and schools, we can break this barrier and allow individuals to focus on their lives without unnecessary discomfort.
Every human being deserves to receive proper access to basic hygienic necessities for their comfort and health. The average woman spends about $18,000 on period products alone in their lifetime. With that kind of money, you could buy a car or put a downpayment on a house. In conclusion, providing free-period products would not only alleviate economic hardships but also promote gender equality by guaranteeing that no one has to miss life opportunities due to something as natural as menstruation.
