Periodic advocates for universal access to sanitary products.
For everyone everywhere, just like toilet paper.
In the Netherlands, 1 in 10 women lacks access to suitable sanitary products every month.
This phenomenon is widely referred to as ‘period poverty’ .
What exactly is ‘period’ poverty?
Period poverty is an individual’s lack of access to menstrual products, adequate hygiene facilities and education on menstruation. It can cause great discomfort to those experiencing it, and may lead to absences in school or at work. In fact, 20% of teenagers in the Netherlands reported skipping school due to their periods.
Why have I never heard of period poverty?
To this day, menstruation and menstrual hygiene remain taboo topics. Periods are stigmatised and considered dirty and shameful. For this reason, many affected by period poverty do not feel empowered to speak up about the issue. This, in turn, renders period poverty a silent problem at a societal level.
How does one tackle period poverty?
To tackle the root of the problem, it is important that schools and community centres offer period products free of charge to anyone that needs them. It is also important to tackle the societal stigma around menstruation. Displaying period products in one’s home, work, bars, cafés etc. helps with their normalisation!
How does Periodic help preventing period poverty?
De-constructing shame and stigma around menstruation and period poverty and advocating for policy changes.
By a platform to educators and health workers who are able to educate and answer questions around the topic of menstruation and bodies. Our events and workshops are there to build foundational knowledge and grow the movement and network of those interested in the fight for menstrual equity and health rights. We also plan to advise and consult on period poverty policies.
Through sharing the MenstruMap, a public map showing locations that provide free period products.
The Periodic team created a Google Maps add-on showcasing bars, restaurants and other public places that provide free period products. The map comprises location in the Netherlands, as well as all of Europe.
By conducting a social awareness campaign, distributing period products to bars and restaurants.
Periodic believes that social change comes with awareness. The team conducts interviews with people brining about change and distributes menstrual products to bars and restaurants as for their normalisation in all environments of public life.
