However, period poverty is a difficult cycle to break because poverty is systemic, and the stigma around periods can prevent those affected from voicing their needs, and potential solutions from being discussed and implemented. That's why Always is also working to fight period stigma and find more systemic solutions to product access, in partnership with other key stakeholders.
Key data from the U.S.:
In the U.S. over 2 in 5 young people who have periods have missed class because they did not have access to period products1. But it’s more than just school they miss:
- 32% missed out on time with friends
- 30% missed extra curricular activities
- 28% missed sports
- 26% missed out on time with family
- 25% were teased or bullied
- 37% lost confidence2 .
How we're helping in the U.S.:
- We're generating awareness of the issue through our channels and engaging relevant stakeholders.
- We've donated more than 65 million pads, through partners like Feeding America, since the start of the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign in the U.S.
- We're actively supporting Congresswomen Grace Meng’s Menstrual Equity Bill, to make it mandatory for all federal buildings, including schools, to provide free period products.
