Not a privilege
Using pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or reusable underwear while menstruating should not be a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. Yet, a lot of menstruators do not have a choice and thus resort to using socks, newspapers, toilet rolls, or plastic bags while menstruating.
Throwing back to last week’s Period Poverty Awareness Week (22-28 May 2023), we would like to shed light on Period Poverty; that is the systemic pressing issue that perpetuates inequality and restricts menstruators’ access to essential products, education/work/opportunities, and/or proper sanitation facilities, which leads to significant challenges and hardships, especially on marginalised communities.
In this article, our new Board Member Yassine Chagh (he/they) is particularly tackling the issue of period poverty affecting trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals. Yassine also attempts to provide solutions and best practice examples to work towards menstrual equity for all.
Understanding Period Poverty
Period poverty refers to the inability to afford or access to menstrual products, education, washing facilities, waste management, or a combination of these. This leads to negative consequences such as missed opportunities in education, work, and other daily life responsibilities or tasks. Approximately one in four individuals struggle to purchase period supplies worldwide due to their financial situation, underscoring the significance of addressing this issue.
In The Borgen Project blog titled Countries Fight Period Poverty in Europe (2022), it is stated:
“The inability to manage menstruation through the necessary products pushes menstruators to miss school and work. In fact, around 100 million menstruators ‘miss up to one week of school a month’ because they lack period products. In Europe, the average menstruators spends €27,000 on period products in a lifetime. According to European Waves, ‘the data [on period poverty in Europe] is fragmented, and in Europe as [a] whole, there are no official numbers on the issue.’ However, “in individual countries, estimates all fluctuate around 10%, meaning [one] in 10 menstruators experience period poverty.”
This alarming data on period poverty underscores the pressing need to take action. It should be an urgent wake up call to governmental entities, community initiatives, NGOs, to address this issue, and to address it with an inclusive approach. Even more so as the statistics reveal the staggering number of menstruators who are forced to miss school, work, and several other life priorities because of period poverty.
The Life Clinic's blog End Period Poverty Now (2023) gives more insights into the impact of period poverty in Europe, shedding light on data specifically addressing the impact it has on younger generations:
- In Germany, a 2019 survey revealed that one in three women have experienced period poverty, with young women and those from low-income households being the most affected.
- In the UK, 1 in 10 girls cannot afford to buy menstrual products (Plan International Survey)
- In Italy, a study found that 50% of girls aged 12-19 have experienced menstrual poverty, with the main reason being the high cost of menstrual products.
- In France, menstrual products were taxed at the full rate of 20% until January 2022 when the government reduced the tax to 5.5%, acknowledging the financial burden it places on women and girls.
- In Eastern Europe, there are reports of women and girls using newspapers, rags, or socks as menstrual products due to lack of access or affordability.
- In some parts of Europe, menstrual products are not provided in schools or public toilets, making it difficult for women and girls to manage their periods while away from home
This data is only one of the rare examples of actual numbers on period poverty, and it is all the more imperative to address this issue comprehensively and expeditiously as the available data on period poverty in Europe is fragmented and lacks official numbers at the regional level.
Moreover, as shown above, the only existing data predominantly focuses on cis women and girls, excluding trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex menstruators, which makes the findings incomplete, as it fails to capture the intersectional nature of period poverty.
Consequently, an inclusive and accurate understanding of the issue is essential to develop effective interventions and policies that cater to the diverse needs of all menstruators.
Impact of Period Poverty on Trans, Non-binary, Gender Fluid and Intersex Individuals, and possible solutions
Trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals face unique challenges within the context of period poverty. Financial barriers, lack of inclusive products, discrimination, limited access to healthcare, bathrooms and a lack of awareness and support contribute to their difficulties in managing their periods effectively.
Below are some of the main challenges faced by trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals when it comes to period poverty, along with potential solutions to overcome them.
Lack of data
As we mentioned before, available data on period poverty in Europe is fragmented and lacks official numbers at the regional level, and the only existing data predominantly focuses on cis women and girls, excluding trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex menstruators, which makes the findings incomplete, as it fails to capture the intersectional nature of period poverty.
Potential solutions
Addressing the lack of comprehensive and inclusive data on period poverty should be one of the most essential and initial steps in order to take effective action and drive meaningful change. A proper research to bridge the gender identity gap and ensure inclusivity is crucial for civil society organisations and stakeholders to effectively address the issue and shape effective solutions that cater to the diverse needs of every menstruator.
It is also important for research to consider different age groups, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of young people, as they are the most vulnerable ones, especially if they are trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex.
Financial Barriers
Trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals may already face financial constraints related to their gender identity, such as healthcare expenses and other related gender-affirming items. These additional challenges make it even more difficult to afford menstrual products, exacerbating the issue of period poverty within these communities.
“Trans and non-binary people are often underrepresented in this fight. Period poverty can take a heavy toll on trans and non-binary folk who are more likely to live in poverty than cisgender people”, says Trans activist Kenny Ethan Jones in a conversation with Pink News (2022).
Potential solutions
- Advocate for affordable or subsidised menstrual products through government initiatives or community programmes.
- Support and promote organisations that provide free or discounted menstrual products specifically for trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals.
- Raise awareness about the financial challenges faced by trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals, and encourage donations or fundraising efforts to support their access to menstrual products.
Lack of Inclusive Products
Traditional menstrual products are often designed and marketed for cisgender women, excluding trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals. The limited availability of inclusive and gender-affirming menstrual products further hinders their ability to manage their periods comfortably and hygienically.
In the same conversation with Pink News (2022), trans activist Kenny Ethan Jones also shares:
[...] That he felt “so disconnected” from himself when experiencing his first period as there was an almost total lack of trans-inclusive period information. “These products didn’t refer to me so [I felt like], ‘Should I be experiencing this?’, ‘Am I normal?'”, Jones says. “That caused such a disconnection with my body which left me feeling disconnected from myself, affected my self-esteem, affected the way I moved through the world.” He describes how navigating this space as a trans man was “without a doubt one of the biggest hurdles [he] had to overcome”
Potential solutions
- Encourage and support the development and availability of gender-affirming menstrual products designed specifically for trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals.
- Promote existing inclusive product options and educate the public about their availability.
- Collaborate with companies, NGOs, and healthcare providers to ensure the inclusion of diverse gender identities in product design and marketing.
Discrimination and Stigma
Trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals already face discrimination and stigma in various aspects of their lives. Period poverty compounds these challenges, intensifying the marginalisation and isolation experienced within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Potential solutions
- Advocate for inclusive policies and anti-discrimination measures within communities that already fight for period poverty to include trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals.
- Raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals and promote empathy, understanding, and acceptance through education and community initiatives.
- Call on LGBTQIA+ organisations and initiatives to also focus on addressing discrimination and stigma related to period poverty faced by menstruators from the community.
Limited Access to Healthcare
Accessing gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender-affirming surgeries, can be costly and challenging. This leaves trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals with fewer resources to address their menstrual health needs effectively.
Potential solutions
- Advocate for comprehensive insurance coverage that includes gender-affirming healthcare services, such as HRT and gender-affirming surgeries, to reduce financial barriers for trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals.
- Establish specialised clinics or healthcare centres that specifically cater to the needs of trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals, providing affordable care.
- Create funding programs or subsidies to support trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals in accessing gender-affirming healthcare, including assistance with the costs of HRT, surgeries, and period products.
Lack of Awareness and Support
There is often a lack of understanding and awareness regarding the specific needs and experiences of trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals in relation to period poverty. This results in a scarcity of targeted support programmes and resources to address their menstrual health and hygiene requirements.
In the conversation with Pink News (2022), trans activist Kenny Ethan Jones explains “how there wasn’t much information on the lived experiences of trans and non-binary people when he first came out aged 17. Now, he sees a growing movement of people discussing the intersection of reproductive health, trans identities and period poverty – though it is a slow start.”
Potential solutions
- Develop educational programmes and awareness campaigns to increase knowledge and understanding of the unique needs and experiences of trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals in relation to menstrual health and period poverty.
- Offer training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and sensitivity towards the needs of trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals, enabling them to provide appropriate care and support
- Establish support groups, organisations, and online communities that focus on addressing menstrual health and period poverty for trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals, providing a platform for sharing experiences and resources.
Accessibility to bathrooms
trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals also face safety concerns when they menstruate in gendered bathrooms. There are often no trash cans inside stalls in men’s restrooms, so there’s nowhere discreet to throw away your period products.
If you “pass” for a male or appear “too masculine” in a woman’s restroom where it might be logistically easier to manage your bleeding, it might still feel just as unsafe for some people. Which falls under the umbrella of period poverty, when it comes to lack of accessibility to safe bathrooms.
Potential solutions
- Advocate for gender-neutral and inclusive restroom policies in public spaces, schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities.
- Educate the public about the importance of safe and accessible bathrooms for all individuals, including trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals who menstruate.
- Collaborate with organisations working towards providing safe and inclusive bathroom facilities to ensure the specific needs of trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals are addressed.
Towards menstrual equity for all
In conclusion, Period Poverty is a significant challenge faced by individuals who menstruate, especially those from vulnerable-marginalised communities such as young trans, non-binary, gender fluid, and intersex individuals who are underrepresented in the research on and in the advocacy work around the topic. By raising awareness, implementing inclusive policies, and providing targeted support, we can work towards eliminating period poverty and promoting menstrual equity for all.
It is essential to recognise that menstrual health is a fundamental right, irrespective of gender identity or socioeconomic status, and to foster a society that values and supports the well-being of all individuals.
This article was written by IGLYO Board Member Yassine Chagh (He/They), Cyprus. Alongside their technical skills by tinkering with circuits and cables, they have a burning passion for social activism. As a racial justice advisor, period equity activist, and an LGBTQIA+ advocate — with some sense of humour, quirkiness, unwavering dedication, and a lot of organisational/social skills — they are deeply committed to promoting equity and inclusion for all.
