Period poverty is the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, handwashing facilities, and waste management. During a crisis, it is especially difficult for people to manage their periods safely and with dignity. We must break harmful taboos about menstruation, provide education, and promote safe sanitation. Period poverty also refers to the increased economic vulnerability women, girls, and trans men face due to the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies.
Those affected by period poverty are forced to deal with their periods in many ways - from socks, newspapers, plastic bags, and napkins, to rags, shirts, and cotton balls. This causes our homeless and poverty-stricken menstruators to become at risk of toxic shock syndrome and other health related issues.
Schools, homeless shelters, and domestic violence shelters in high-poverty areas are in desperate need of menstrual hygiene supplies because they get few donations from the government, causing them to rely on non-profits and the public to get their supplies. Additionally, when people donate menstrual hygiene supplies to shelters, they donate clothes, soap, food, and other hygiene supplies, but not all people think to donate sanitary napkins. When they do donate sanitary napkins, they often donate those loaded with toxic chemicals that cause harm to the body, including infertility, cancer, fibroids, cysts, and other health problems. See https://bit.ly/toxicmenstrualcare for more information.
Period poverty is a major problem that needs to be addressed. We are seeking to assist in the movement by not only providing menstrual care products to those who cannot afford them, but providing products that are SAFE and do not contain any toxic chemicals! Our product of choice is Reign Premium Sanitary Napkins, a line of 100% Black-owned plant-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable sanitary napkins that are highly absorbent and reduce inflammation, pain, period days, heavy bleeding, odor, and helps with uterine detoxification.
Through your generosity, we have the power to put a dent in period poverty among our young menstruators in high-poverty areas and our homeless populations.
Thank you very much for your support! Please share this campaign!
