Managing menstrual period without proper products can be a disaster. Millions of tween girls around the world face-period poverty, lacking access to sanitary pads, period panties, or even basic education about menstruation. The consequences go far beyond physical discomfort. They impact mental health, self-esteem, and future opportunities. The big question is: How can we address period poverty and improve the mental health of tween girls?
What is period poverty, and how does it affect mental health?
Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, safe sanitary spaces, and menstrual education. It affects millions of girls, especially in low-income and developing countries. Without proper products, many tweens resort to using unhygienic alternatives like old cloth, newspapers, or cotton pad sew by human hands. This puts them at risk of infections and shame, leading to:
- Mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
- Educational disadvantages due to missing school during their menstrual periods time.
- Social isolation: period blood leakage caused stigma and fear.
Solving this issue isn’t just about providing pads. It’s about empowering girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.
Want to know how period poverty is linked to mental health? Keep reading to find accurate solutions.
What Are Key Problems That Tween Girls are Facing Due to Period Poverty?
Let's dive deeper into the specific challenges girls face and how these issues impact their mental healthy.
- Lack of Access to Menstrual Products
Many tween girls can’t afford sanitary pads or period panties. In some regions, pads cost more than food, making them a luxury item. This make them to rely on unsafe alternatives, leading to discomfort, embarrassment, and infections.
Governments and NGOs can provide free sanitary pads in schools. Companies like HappieMoon can contribute by offering affordable, eco-friendly options for tweens.
- Stigma and Shame Around Periods
In many cultures, periods are still seen as taboo. Girls are often shamed for having their periods, making them feel dirty or impure. This stigma increases anxiety and makes girls reluctant to talk about their needs.
Comprehensive menstrual education should be a priority. Teaching both boys and girls about periods can break the stigma and normalize menstruation.
- School Absenteeism
According to research, 1 in 10 girls in Africa misses school during their period, and some drop out entirely. This creates a cycle of poverty, as missing education limits future opportunities.
Providing period kits with pads, disposable panties, and heating patches can reduce school absences. Schools should also ensure clean, private bathrooms for girls.
- Mental Health Impact
The lack of basic period care leads to emotional distress. Girls feel embarrassed, anxious, and socially isolated. Long-term period poverty can cause chronic low self-esteem, contributing to depression.
We need to treat period poverty as a public health issue, providing both menstrual products and mental health support.
- Global Inequality
Period poverty isn’t limited to developing countries. Even in wealthier nations like the U.S., low-income families struggle to afford menstrual products. This shows that policy change is necessary worldwide.
Repeal the ‘Menstrual Products Tax’ should be expanded by government. Brands can also offer sponsored product donations for at-risk tweens.
How Can Companies Like HappieMoon Help Solve This Issue?
As a brand specializing in tween and teen menstrual products, HappieMoon is perfectly positioned to make a difference. Here's how:
- Develop affordable period kits that include sanitary pads, period panties, and heating patches designed for tweens.
- Partner with schools and NGOs to donate products to underserved communities.
- Educate through online campaigns to destigmatize periods and promote mental health.
Why Does Addressing Period Poverty Benefit Society as a Whole?
When tween girls have access to proper menstrual care, they are more likely to:
- Stay in school and pursue higher education.
- Feel confident and empowered, improving mental health.
- Break the cycle of poverty for future generations.
In short, ending period poverty is an investment in our future.
Period poverty is more than just a lack of pads—it’s a global issue affecting education, mental health, and gender equality. By providing access to menstrual products and education, we can empower girls to thrive with dignity and confidence. Solving this issue requires collaboration between governments, companies, and communities. Let's work together to ensure no tween girl will feel stigma and shame by their period.
Join into community to end period poverty. Empower tween girls to have more healthier, equitable life