Could femtech tackle period poverty? Here’s what campaigners think

Period poverty, defined as a lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities and education, affects more than 500 million women and girls globally every month.

While it impacts many on low income, researchers from the University of Southampton have looked at an often-forgotten group: homeless women.

The research, published last month, showed that homeless women experience practical challenges in managing menstruation, alongside feelings of embarrassment and shame, with many “making do” due to inadequate provision.

The review, the first to explore homeless women’s experiences of menstruation, concluded that it’s time to address the provision of menstrual health resources as a basic human right.

Femtech World sat down with charities and women’s health organisations to find out how policymakers and femtech organisations could tackle the issue.

Jennifer Gaines, manager of national engagement at Alliance for Period Supplies

Homeless individuals face unique challenges when it comes to managing their periods, including limited access to period supplies, adequate restroom facilities and stigma associated with managing menstruation.

The femtech industry has a significant role to play in addressing the menstrual needs of the most vulnerable populations, including homeless individuals, and developing unique solutions to the challenges faced, such as lack of access to clean facilities and products.

The industry could address the issue by educating the general public and policymakers, establishing donation initiatives to local organisations that distribute period products to homeless populations and investing in research initiatives to better understand the specific challenges faced by homeless individuals regarding menstruation and the lack of access to period products.

Organisations can also advocate for policy reform on local, state and national levels to address period poverty and homelessness.

In the United States, there are more than 70 million individuals, girls and people who menstruate between the ages of 12 to 44. Of these more than 70 million, one in six lives below the federal poverty line. That means there are millions of people who menstruate in our country who live in poverty and are unable to afford the material basic necessities they need to thrive.

People who live in poverty often face food insecurity, housing insecurity, transportation issues and other struggles every day. Period poverty is yet another obstacle that prevents people who menstruate from reaching their full potential.

Petchara Newson, business development coordinator at the period poverty charity Freedom4Girls

We wholeheartedly agree with the findings of the University of Southampton, which shed light on the urgent issue of period poverty among homeless women. This research reaffirms the observations we’ve made at Freedom4Girls, especially as the period poverty crisis escalates amidst the current recession.

To support homeless women effectively, it’s imperative to ensure they have access to safe and clean spaces where they can use menstrual products. Menstrual hygiene should be prioritised not only in spaces traditionally targeted towards women, like women’s refuges, but also in places where women experiencing poverty exist, such as homeless organisations or food banks.

Increasing representation of menstruators on the boards of diverse organisations and providing training to non-menstruators can help identify gaps in support for menstrual hygiene.

Organisations serving those in poverty should ensure they have clean and safe restrooms equipped with a range of free period products and proper waste disposal facilities.

Furthermore, when supporting homeless menstruators, it’s essential to provide a variety of free period products, including heavier flow options, as many experience heavy periods.

Manjit Gill, founder and CEO of the period charity Binti

In the femtech space, we have some amazing products to manage menstrual health but how much funding is provided for “women’s health?”

Menstrual matters have to include all facets of health which include options of products best suited to the needs of women be it disposable or reusable pads or tampons cups or pants.

The cost of living crisis means people can’t afford food but how many address the unaffordable cost of period products for women?

Period products mandated as essential products in everyday life and menstruation becoming a word that is not shrouded in shame is the only way we can create a world where all women have menstrual dignity.

Terri Harris, education and communication manager at Bloody Good Period

Nearly one and a half million people in the UK can’t currently afford period products, and for those who are unhoused or in unstable accommodation, the additional barriers to accessing and using period products are far worse.

Periods aren’t a luxury, they’re a necessity. Everyone should be able to access period products whenever they need them, for free.

At Bloody Good Period, we’re campaigning for period products to be freely available and accompanied by education, normalisation, and practical support. Without this, we cannot hope to achieve menstrual equity.

Laura Rathbone, founder of Sisters on the Streets

We witness first-hand how the lack of access to menstrual supplies among individuals experiencing homelessness perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage. Without adequate period products, people are not only forced to endure physical discomfort and health risks but also face significant barriers in accessing opportunities crucial for escaping homelessness.

Imagine someone missing out on housing, employment, or education opportunities simply because they bled through their only pair of pants just before a crucial job interview or apartment viewing, rendering them unable to attend.

Addressing menstrual equity is not just about hygiene; it’s about dignity, access to basic rights, and creating pathways to stability and independence for those most vulnerable in our society.