Rossouw L, Ross H. Understanding Period Poverty: Socio-Economic Inequalities in Menstrual Hygiene Management in Eight Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

This paper focuses on the global issue of period poverty, specifically the unequal access to menstrual hygiene products and safe spaces for managing menstruation. It shows how factors like wealth, education, and whether someone lives in a rural or urban area affect their ability to access these necessary resources. Women and girls from poorer households, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), often face difficulties obtaining sanitary products and having private, clean spaces for menstrual hygiene, which affects their health, dignity, and social standing.

The paper highlights how these inequalities can make things worse, leading to more stigma, economic hardships, and even gender-based violence. While some policies, like removing taxes on menstrual products, can help make them more affordable, the article suggests that larger changes—like improving infrastructure and creating culturally appropriate solutions—are also important to ensure fair access for everyone.

Discussion Questions to Deepen Understanding

1. What are some of the reasons people in different countries have unequal access to menstrual hygiene products and safe spaces? How might living in a city or a rural area change this?
2. Why is it important for women and girls to have safe and private spaces for managing their periods? What impact do cultural beliefs and stigmas around menstruation have, and how can we address these issues?
3. The paper talks about removing taxes on menstrual products to make them cheaper. What are the good and bad sides of this idea, and what other things could be done to help people experiencing period poverty?