PERIOD PRIVILEGE
The Burden of a Period
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Neglected Needs
– People in Poverty
– People in Homelessness
– People in Incarceration
Makeshift Methods
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We’ve been talking a lot about periods lately
From Donald Trump saying Megyn Kelly had “blood coming out of her wherever,” to Meghan Markle publicizing her work on global menstrual issues in her royal bio, to New York congressman Sean Patrick Maloney fighting with House administrators over whether tampons for staff and guests should be considered a necessary expense, periods are a common topic these days.
“Period poverty” is closer to home than we think
Around the globe, superstitious taboos and lack of resources can make managing menstruation difficult and even dangerous. Outdated practices put women and girls at a disadvantage when it comes to education and employment, and puts them at risk when it comes to health and safety.
“Period poverty” is not limited to developing countries, but is much closer to home that you might think. Here in the US, there are people who struggle every month to meet their menstrual needs, which is further compounded by social stigma and lack of understanding. At least half of the population experiences menstruation for most of their lives, yet only those with privilege have access to period products.
Products can get pretty pricey
The average person in a developed nation spends about $18,000 over the course of a lifetime for period-related items. Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, liners, pain medication, heating pads, new underwear, birth control, comfort food – if you’ve bought any of these during your period, you are period-privileged. But what happens when someone cannot access or afford the pricey products that line the drug store shelves?
Period protection should not be a privilege
In order to discourage stigma and promote awareness, we want to begin a conversation surrounding the core human needs of menstruating people in the US – such as access, choice and affordability. By examining the needs of those who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, and incarceration, we hope to inform those in a position of privilege about menstruation needs different from their own and encourage them to take action.
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People in Poverty
One in three American women and girls live in or on the brink of poverty. In fact, women are 35% more likely than men to experience poverty. Meanwhile, transgender people are twice as likely as the general population to experience poverty, and tend to encounter more difficulties in overcoming it.
Since the majority of people experiencing poverty also experience periods, how might we keep their needs in mind in terms of product affordability?
Did you know…
• Tampons and pads are not covered by food stamps or Medicaid, or included in Flexible Spending Account allowances
• In most states, menstrual products are excluded from tax exemptions afforded to other medical and health supplies such as lip balm, men’s razors and Viagra – this is known as the tampon tax
• Proposals to subsidize menstrual products as a form of health care, such as the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2017, which was recently passed by the House, have been met with opposition from those who consider it preferential treatment for women
What can we do about it?
Organizations across the country are working to help people meet their menstrual needs regardless of their circumstances.
PERIOD is a non-profit organization run by young activists who are passionate about the cause and eager to make a difference. They provide support by supplying donations, doing educational outreach, and advocating for menstrual equity.
Click here [Link to Get Involved page] to learn more about how you can help.
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People in Homelessness
The US has the highest number of homeless women and children of any industrialized nation. Women account for nearly 40% of all homeless individuals. In addition, one in five transgender individuals have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, often while attempting to escape abuse or after being kicked out of their homes by unaccepting parents.
How might we offer better access to menstrual hygiene care and safe sanitary spaces for people who menstruate while homeless?
Did you know…
• Since 2016, shelters in New York City have been required to provide menstrual products, but women often do not feel safe going to these places, which house a majority of men, due to fear of sexual assault
• Shelter restrooms are sometimes unclean or insecure, and public restrooms are typically closed at night when unexpected needs arise
• Resorting to alternative protection methods and infrequent changing or washing comes with a risk of health issues such as infection
What can we do about it?
Start locally by donating directly to a shelter near you, or support one of the many organizations which assist people who are homeless.
Lava Mae converts city buses into showers on wheels to provide clean facilities for personal hygiene to the homeless in California. They serve their guests with generous hospitality, and offer toolkits for others to start similar services in cities around the world.
Click here [Link to Get Involved page] to learn more about how you can help.
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People in Incarceration
Women held in local jails represent the fastest growing population of incarcerated people in the US. “Between 1980 and 2014, the number of incarcerated women increased by more than 700%,” according to The Sentencing Project. Meanwhile, jails often do not consider that, even if they are housed in male facilities, trans-men may need reproductive health care and products that are usually associated with women.
How might we fight for the basic human needs of people who have periods in prison systems that were built with only male needs in mind?
Did you know…
• In 2016, New York City became the first in the country to pass legislation requiring jails to provide free pads and tampons – still, most inmates say the monthly supplies provided do not meet their needs
• Women at Rikers Island receive an average of 11 pads per month, only allowing for a change about every 12 hours during an average menstrual cycle
• In 2018, federal prisons started providing free pads and tampons, but since most incarcerated women are housed in state prisons, less than 10% benefit from this change
What can we do about it?
Unlike those in poverty and homelessness, incarcerated people cannot benefit from support through donations due to heavy restrictions, so we must address this issue by changing regulations and demanding that proper care be provided to incarcerated women.
The Dignity Campaign by the Dream Corps’ #cut50 initiative advocates for the passing of crucial legislation that will improve the quality of life of incarcerated women. The Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act of 2017 seeks to require access to a greater range of health care, including sufficient menstrual care products in prisons.
Click here [Link to Get Involved page] to learn more about how you can help.
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Makeshift Methods
What happens when someone cannot access or afford the pricey products that line the drug store shelves?
Common makeshift methods of period protection are often unsanitary and can come with health risks such as infection. These are just a few of the alternatives frequently used by people who struggle to access conventional menstrual products:
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Newspapers
Cardboard
Cotton balls
Plastic bags
Towels
Socks
Rags
Free bleeding
[each method has a corresponding illustration]
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Get Involved: Relieve the burden of a period
Period protection should not be a privilege! You can help relieve the burden of a period by supporting one of the organizations below and by continuing the conversation with your networks online.
PERIOD
• PERIOD is a non-profit organization run by young activists who are passionate about the cause and eager to make a difference. They provide support by supplying donations, doing educational outreach, and advocating for menstrual equity.
o Participate in “the menstrual movement”: host a PERIOD party to collect donations, start a local chapter, or become a sponsor.
Lava Mae
• Lava Mae converts city buses into showers on wheels to provide clean facilities for personal hygiene to the homeless in California. They serve their guests with generous hospitality, and offer toolkits for others to start similar services in cities around the world.
o Help Lava Mae create opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness: donate funds, purchase essential toiletry supplies, or become a volunteer.
The Dignity Campaign
• The Dignity Campaign by the Dream Corps’ #cut50 initiative advocates for the passing of crucial legislation that will improve the quality of life of incarcerated women. The Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act of 2017 seeks to require access to a greater range of health care, including sufficient menstrual care products in prisons.
o Join the fight for dignity: volunteer or donate through #cut50.