Tackling Period Poverty in Kingston upon Thames: An Uncomfortable Conversation.
Kingston, with a picturesque marketplace and riverside walks, may seem prosperous, but it hides a silent struggle faced by many in our community: period poverty.
This issue is affecting an estimated 5,821 women and girls right here in our borough.
Women are resorting to using makeshift sanitary wear (socks, tissue paper, even newspaper).
Girls are missing school.
Parents are so desperate to provide period products for this child, they’re resorting to stealing.
So let’s have an uncomfortable conversation. What is period poverty? Why does it happen? And what can we all - together - do about it?
Because it’s past time to talk about period poverty.
Nearly half (46%) of women who struggled to afford sanitary products in the last 6 months kept sanitary pads or tampons in for longer, or used tissues (46%). 10% doubled up their underwear - ActionAid
Period Poverty in the UK Today
Period poverty - not being able to get or afford menstrual products - is a monthly reality for an ever-growing number of women and girls in the United Kingdom today.
It’s often unhygienic. Almost always uncomfortable. And it’s an issue that has wide-ranging effects, not just on physical health but also on mental and emotional well-being too.
“Two thirds of teens reported stress as a result of limited access to menstrual supplies,” in addition to causing “feelings of shame and self’s consciousness” as well as anxiety and embarrassment”
In recent years, there’s been significant efforts to tackle period poverty. Initiatives include free sanitary products in schools and abolishing the "tampon tax" - and both have taken steps in the right direction.
Yet the issue endures.
So Why Does Period Poverty Exist?
Financial Constraints
One of the primary reasons behind period poverty is financial hardship. For many individuals and families, menstrual products are an added expense that strain already impossible budgets.
Stigma and Shame
The persistent stigma surrounding menstruation prevents open discussions and limits access to products. Shame and embarrassment lead to silence and isolation.
Almost half of girls aged 14-21 are embarrassed by their periods
Lack of Education
Not knowing enough about menstruation - how it works or the products available - only worsens period poverty. Many individuals may not even be aware of the resources and products that exist to support them.
Three myths about period poverty…
#1 - It’s Only an Issue in Developing Countries
Half of girls couldn’t afford period products in the last year - ActionAid
The stat above isn’t for girls living in a developing country. This is the reality in the UK. And it’s getting worse. One in five women who could afford period products before, have struggled to do so because of the cost of living crisis (Citron Hygiene).
#2 - It's Not a Serious Issue
Period poverty can have severe consequences on physical and mental health - infections, missed school or work days, diminished self-esteem.
#3 - It's an Individual Problem
Period poverty affects us all.
Girls who repeatedly miss school attain lower grades.
Women missing from the workplace suffer professionally, and for the business, productivity is impacted.
Perhaps worst of all, some resorting to makeshift solutions suffer health consequences - impacting their health and increasing social care costs for society.
This community issue demands collective action.
What Schools, Local Businesses, and the Community Can Do
Schools
Schools can play a pivotal role in addressing period poverty. They can provide free sanitary products in toilets - and encourage open conversations about menstruation. They can also support students who may be struggling financially.
As for the government - back in 2019, a pledge to end period poverty by 2030 was made. An initiative launched in September 2022 means that schools and colleges now offer free sanitary wear to girls who need it (until July 2024).
But what happens next? If the programme isn’t made permanent, periods continue. Period poverty persists.
Local Businesses
“82% of women said they would feel more valued as customers if a business provided free period products” - Citron Hygiene
Tackling period poverty is good business. Period.
As well as offering free sanitary wear in washrooms, local businesses can support community initiatives that provide free or affordable menstrual products.
Education and Awareness
Workshops and info sessions about menstruation and period poverty can help bust the stigma and provide essential info to those who need it. Schools, community centres, or local businesses can all drive awareness.
Community Stakeholders
Many organisations in our local community are doing great work in taking on period poverty.
Dr Kate Kenyon is the founder of one such charity - RBKares. RBKares is “a group of volunteers that aims to mobilise the community to respond at pace to needs that arise within the borough of Kingston amongst hospital workers, carers, refugees, and other vulnerable groups”.
Kate hosts Wellbeing Days, which bring together key services and supplies for the local community, ranging from mental health support to a stock of essentials - including clothes, food and period products. These days take place every month in Norbiton (follow their social accounts to hear about their next Wellbeing Day: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram).
We spoke to Kate about why the time is now to address period poverty, and asked her about her experience of supporting women and girls in our community to access period products…
Period poverty is more than access to sanitary products - it is dignity, health, and equality. Let’s continue these conversations, break down the stigma, and take collective action. Together, we can make Kingston a place where every woman and girl has the support and resources she needs for a brighter, healthier future.
A special mention for the Kujuwa Initiative
While discussing the impact of period poverty in Kingston and the wider UK, we also want to spotlight how the issue impacts women and girls abroad.
Our patron Paul Cox’s daughter established the Kujuwa Initiative to take on period poverty in Kenya. Today, the organisation “strives to end period stigma, normalise menstruation and give girls and menstruators the equal opportunities they deserve”.
