Menstruation is a natural biological process. However, for many menstruating individuals, access to menstrual products and services are limited due to social stigma, lack of education, and high costs of supplies—a challenge compounded for those living in crisis and post-disaster situations.

For millions of girls, women, transgender, and non-binary persons, globally, it is a struggle to navigate menstruation with dignity and health due to gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, and poverty. The denial of basic menstrual needs puts them at greater risk of infection, especially during emergencies where menstrual health is often de-prioritized.

Menstrual health is a cornerstone of sexual and reproductive health, deeply connected in the fundamental human rights to health and sanitation. Thus, communities and decision-makers must see menstruation beyond the physical experience, and understand its social and economic dimensions that bleed out the pockets and dignity of millions worldwide. 

The period stigma

Despite being a natural biological process, menstruation is often shrouded in cultural taboos and social stigma. This overwhelming sense of shame can lead to discrimination, isolation, and a reluctance to discuss menstrual health openly.

The baseline findings from a recent study, conducted by Fòs Feminista and partners in the Sang pour Sang Project revealed that 96% of menstruators have experienced at least one form of menstrual discrimination, including exclusion from regular activities, and teasing related to periods.

When menstruation is viewed negatively, it prevents individuals from seeking or accessing essential products and education, forcing them to resort to unhygienic alternatives.

According to the World Bank, 8% of girls in the Philippines have reported skipping school because of menstruation. Some girls miss class due to extreme pain, and to avoid bullying and discrimination. They miss out on the opportunity to learn and participate in social activities which diminishes their chance to thrive throughout life.

The baseline findings of the Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child show that girls from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) have expressed anxiety about the onset of menstruation. Girls with disabilities echoed this sentiment and also shared about the difficulties managing personal hygiene during their periods, especially at school, due to limitations in self-care.

Both groups perceived periods as a painful experience, a cause of anxiety and shame due to the "unnecessary attention" it draws from classmates and family members, despite some of them having yet to undergo puberty.

The knowledge gap

The lack of accurate information and inadequate menstruation education lead to misconceptions about periods, limited awareness of available resources, or unsanitary disposal methods leading to poor menstrual hygiene. This knowledge gap impacts adolescent girls, particularly in rural areas, hindering their ability to manage their periods effectively. When infections occur due to poor hygiene, school attendance and performance are affected, further widening the gender gap in education.

UNFPA works with the Government in implementing age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education which tackles menstruation hygiene management (MHM) to de-stigmatize learners—both boys and girls—making them understand that menstruation is healthy and normal. Menstrual health education is significant in increasing awareness, and building menstruators', including girls, skills in managing their periods.

In times of crises, UNFPA engages community-based facilitators and peer educators, in conducting information sessions on sexual and reproductive health with a focus on periods, targeted for adolescent girls in disaster-affected areas.

Beyond the extreme pain

Beyond extreme pain is the financial strain. For many, the recurring cost of menstrual hygiene supplies (pads, tampons, etc.) imposes a heavy financial burden. When combined with unemployment, or low wages, essentials become unaffordable, forcing menstruating individuals to prioritize other necessities.

Existing economic vulnerabilities are worsened by period poverty. The high cost of menstrual supplies often called the 'period tax' — limits individuals’ access to clean, safe, and effective menstrual products month after month. When menstrual supplies are unaffordable, periods are pushing people further into poverty.

Women and girls in poverty and humanitarian crises often lack access to high-quality menstrual products and secure, private sanitation facilities. In times of emergencies, UNFPA provides adolescent girls with Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) kits, and women of reproductive age with Dignity Kits which contain menstrual pads and soaps, to support them in their menstrual cycle. 

How can we put a period to stigma and period poverty?

Menstruating with dignity is a human right. A dignified menstruation begins with ending stigma and misconceptions and it takes the whole of the community to do so. Families, educators, healthcare providers, and employers must collaborate to ensure dignified and barrier-free menstrual management for all—in schools, workplaces, and local community hubs.

Beyond delivering menstrual health education, schools play an increasing role as key access points to sanitation facilities and menstrual supplies for learners. In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has invested in ensuring that adequate water, private sanitation facilities, and products are available in schools.

Equally, decision-makers bear a crucial responsibility in easing women and girls’ economic vulnerabilities by implementing tax exemptions to significantly lower the cost of menstrual products. Some advocates push for additional menstrual leave for menstruating employees.

A period-friendly world demands collective, decisive action. By dismantling stigma through menstrual health education, ensuring universal access to affordable supplies, and implementing period-friendly policies, we can empower all menstruators to manage and experience menstruation with the dignity and health they deserve—enabling them to thrive in every aspect of life.

Additional resources:

• Menstruation and human rights: UNFPA frequently asked questions 
• Menstrual Health: Overview Report for Low- and Middle-Income Countries