Impact of Period Poverty on Students
By Emma Gaughan and Mihika Iyer // November 2024
Impact of Period Poverty on Students
Period poverty is an issue that impacts students all over the country. 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products, according to the 2023 State of the Period study by Thinx, Inc., and PERIOD., and that number has not decreased since 2021.
While we know that period poverty is a widespread issue that affects many students, for those who it does not affect, it can be hard to imagine. The State of the Period study found that 44% reported stress and embarrassment over lack of access to period products, and 25% are unable to complete schoolwork due to lack of access. That is several days a month, every month of the year, that a fourth of those who menstruate are unable to participate in school.
We asked members from schools that Love For Red donates to about the impact that they have seen period poverty make on their schools, and how Love For Red has helped to alleviate that stress.
Anisha is a student and member of Love For Red. She shared that Love For Red has made a definite impact on both herself and her school.
“Love For Red made a huge impact on my school because girls no longer have to worry about not having access to period products,” Anisha said.
She shared that it is common for her friends to ask her if she has a spare product, as well as overhearing that same conversation among strangers. She shared that the tampon and pad dispensers in the bathroom are almost always empty, so there is a definite need for the donations from Love For Red.
“Period poverty is definitely an issue in my school,” Anisha said, “giving girls almost no access to products.”
Anisha helps to refill the products that Love For Red donates once they run out, and she shared that she often sees students utilizing these donations. She also shared that she has friends who have had to miss events because of their period.
Shreshta is another student and member of Love For Red. She shared that Love For Red has been a vital part of helping to fight period poverty at her school.
“Love For Red makes it so much easier to access products at my school,” she said.
While she shared that there has not been very much conversation or concern about period poverty at her school, she knows that Love For Red can have a major impact on students.
“I do believe organizations like these are crucial to our community,” Shreshta said.
While Love For Red has helped students at these schools to access products, there is still much work to be done, both in increasing access to products and decreasing stigma surrounding menstruation. According to the State of the Period, 75% of those surveyed say that there is a negative belief that periods are “gross” and “unsanitary.” Stigmas like this continue to impact students and their ability to learn.