Period poverty is not just a female issue, it’s a human rights issue, founder and CEO of the #AgainstPeriodPoverty campaign, Lindsey Adams, said.
Across the globe, millions of people who menstruate face challenges beyond affordability, including a lack of access to sanitary products, clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and menstrual hygiene education.
“This is a global challenge that affects millions,” said Adams.
“Some people use unhygienic alternatives like old rags, toilet paper, or even newspaper, which can lead to serious health problems and infections. It’s heartbreaking.”
Grim statistics
The statistics paint a grim picture. In South Africa alone, seven million girls cannot afford or access sanitary pads, and around 30% of girls miss school every month due to their period.
The stigma surrounding menstruation adds to the problem, creating barriers to education and opportunities for millions.
For Adams, the journey began in 2019 with a heartbreaking story.
“It started with two girls who couldn’t attend school because they didn’t have access to sanitary pads,” she shared.
“That moment lit a fire in me to make a change, one girl at a time.”
Through the #AgainstPeriodPoverty campaign, Adams and her team provide menstrual hygiene education and distribute sanitary towels to schools across the country.
They have already adopted 62 schools, committing to supply these institutions with sanitary products every second month or whenever needed.
One of the program’s highlights is its focus on educational empowerment.
“As part of the Enlit Africa program, we take two top students from each school and, with our corporate sponsor Loot.co.za, provide them with stationery and other support. Seeing these girls thrive is one of our greatest successes,” said Adams.
Despite the scale of the problem, Adams is driven by the individual stories of gratitude she receives.
“For me, it’s about one girl at a time. When I read letters from girls or hear from principals about the difference we’ve made, it fuels me to keep going.”
With campaigns like this, the fight against period poverty is gaining momentum. Adams is calling on more people to join the cause.
“Menstrual hygiene education is imperative,” she said.
“We need to shine a light on period poverty and fight the stigma.”
IOL