Why Period Poverty Still Exists and What We Can Do About It

Period poverty is one of the most overlooked yet pressing global health and social issues today. Despite progress in women’s health, millions of women and girls still lack access to safe, affordable menstrual products and the education needed to manage their periods with dignity. But why period poverty still exists, even in 2025? And what can we collectively do to break this cycle?

What is Period Poverty?

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and education about menstruation. It is not only a health concern but also a barrier to education, gender equality, and economic participation.

• According to UNICEF, 1 in 10 girls in low-income countries miss school during their period, affecting their academic performance and future opportunities.

• A World Bank report estimates that 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management.

• Even in developed countries, women from low-income households face difficult choices, sometimes having to choose between buying food or menstrual products.

When girls are forced to miss school or when women resort to unsafe alternatives like rags, paper, or even soil, the consequences ripple across health, dignity, and social equity.

Why Period Poverty Still Exists Today

Despite progress in policy and awareness, period poverty remains a global challenge. Here are the key reasons:

1. Economic Inequality

Menstrual products are still treated as “optional” rather than basic necessities. In many countries, the cost of period products remains out of reach for low-income households. For families living on daily wages, menstrual care becomes a financial burden.

2. Stigma and Taboos

Menstruation continues to be labeled as “dirty” or shameful. Cultural taboos and silence around periods discourage open discussion, limit education, and delay policy reforms that could make products more accessible.

3. Lack of Education

Globally, millions of girls still grow up without basic menstrual health education. Without accurate knowledge, myths and misconceptions thrive, leading to poor hygiene practices, social exclusion, and compromised health.

4. Policy Gaps

While countries like Scotland have introduced free period products, many nations lag behind. In some regions, menstrual products are still taxed as luxury goods, highlighting how deeply systemic the issue is.

5. Limited Sustainable Options

Reusable and eco-friendly period products, such as Period Panties, are gaining attention but for many women, the upfront cost remains a barrier. This forces them to choose between affordability and sustainability.

What We Can Do About Period Poverty

Period poverty is not just a women’s issue, it’s a societal one. Here’s how we can make a change:

• Normalize the Conversation. Talking openly about menstruation breaks the taboo. Brands like Diva’Me are working to redefine “Period Fashion” so women can feel confident and empowered, not restricted.

• Support Access and Affordability. Advocating for policies that make menstrual products free in schools, workplaces, and public institutions is a step toward equity.

• Choose Sustainable Period Care. Investing in reusable options like Diva’Me Period Panties helps reduce long-term costs and environmental waste.

• Educate Communities. Period education should be part of school curriculums and community programs, ensuring that every girl grows up informed and empowered.

• Support Initiatives. Brands like Diva’Me are working to end period poverty. By supporting them, we amplify impact.

The Role of Diva’Me in Breaking the Cycle

At Diva’Me, we believe periods should never hold women back. That’s why we’ve created Period Fashion from Period Panties to Period Swimwear that moves with you, no matter the day of the month. By making menstrual care functional, sustainable, and empowering, we’re not just creating products, we’re helping break the stigma around menstruation.

Breaking the Taboo

The question of why period poverty still exists has many answers: inequality, stigma, lack of education, and policy neglect. But it also has one clear solution, collective action. Together, we can ensure that every woman and girl has the right to manage her period with dignity, confidence, and pride.

Let’s end period poverty. And let’s make periods a symbol of strength, not struggle.

Let’s break the taboo together!