Period poverty at schools: how big is the issue?

October 10, 2024

By Nil Demirag, a senior at Gulf Breeze High School

Period poverty goes beyond the inability to purchase menstrual products. It encompasses the lack of access to sanitation facilities, education about menstruation, and social stigmas that can exacerbate the issue. For many, this leads to missed school days, reduced job opportunities, and a perpetuation of the cycle of poverty. In many low-income families, the cost of menstrual products can be prohibitive. For a teenage girl, this might mean using alternatives—such as old rags or newspapers—leading to health risks and discomfort. Schools often lack proper facilities and products, which further worsens the situation. When these students miss school due to their period, their academic performance can suffer.

Since often times schools lack or don't provide period products, sometimes teachers and even the school nurse(s) buy these products with their own money to support students. This issue highlights the failure to address a basic need. The reliance on individual kindness rather than institutional support shows the urgent need for schools to implement programs that provide free menstrual products and education about menstruation. By providing necessary resources, we can create a more inclusive environment that supports learning and well-being for all students.