Imma Perfetto
Cosmos science journalist
Many people who menstruate do not have access to sufficient and affordable period products. Those experiencing “period poverty” may feel shame, miss opportunities at school or work, and resort to using makeshift solutions such as old clothes or towels.
A growing number of initiatives around the world are providing free menstrual products to address this unmet need, such as through vending machines in schools in England, New York City and Australia.
While these measures are an important step forward, a new study has found that a wider range of approaches are needed to deliver free period products to the people who need them most.
In-depth interviews with participants from the Australian state of Victoria revealed their experiences of, and recommendations for, addressing menstrual product insecurity.
Thirty participants aged 18–45 belonged to one or more marginalised groups, including those on low income, people experiencing housing insecurity, people living with disabilities, multicultural groups, gender-diverse people and young people.
Five participants were “key informants” who worked with these groups in Victoria.
They felt it was insufficient to adopt a “one-size-fits-all” approach to addressing menstrual product insecurity, and emphasised the importance of convenient access, product choice and quality, and balancing privacy with visibility.
“Many people told us they felt uncomfortable accessing products in public places because of the stigma attached to menstruation and poverty, but at the same time they need to know where they can access these products,” says Alexandra Head, a researcher at the Burnett Institute and lead author of the study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
Participants also stressed the importance of product variety, with needs influenced by flow, body type, ability, gender identity, and cultural norms.
They emphasised that going about accessing free products must also fit easily into their daily life, with minimal time burden. For participants experiencing lower period product insecurity, such as students, vending machines were the most convenient option.
Access through social services was more convenient for those experiencing more severe menstrual product insecurity.
“People who can’t afford period products often have connections with social services like food banks and community centres, so collaborating with these services is an effective way of reaching them,” says Head.
Participants also recommended that programs to provide free or subsidised menstrual products should also be used as opportunities to “provide menstrual education or dismantle pervasive stigma surrounding menstruation”.
