Period poverty has huge global effects because roughly half of the world’s population are menstruators at some point in their lives. Lack of access to menstrual products can prevent people from being able to work. Menstruators in developing countries, as well as the US, can also be prevented from receiving an education due to period poverty.
At the same time, we should recognize that periods can be debilitatingly painful, and we must destigmatize the necessity of paid menstrual leave.The tampon tax must be abolished and period products should be free. Menstrual shame and period stigma prevents some people from purchasing menstrual products. I pledge to do my part to end the period stigma.