What is period poverty and how does it affect education?

Period poverty and education are deeply connected. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, education about menstruation, and safe, hygienic facilities to manage periods. For many students around the world, this is a daily reality that affects their ability to attend school, focus on studies, and fully participate in educational activities.

How period poverty affects students is clear: when they don’t have access to sanitary pads, tampons, or other menstrual products, many students prefer to stay home during their periods. This leads to repeated absences, lower academic performance, and a loss of confidence.

Globally, millions of students are impacted by menstrual hygiene and school attendance. In low-income countries, poverty and lack of infrastructure are major causes, while in wealthier countries, high costs and stigma also play a role. Tackling this issue means ensuring both health and equal opportunities in education.

The impact of period poverty on student attendance and performance

One of the most direct consequences of period poverty and education is absenteeism. Studies show that students without access to menstrual products can miss several school days each month. Over time, this creates significant learning gaps. The impact of period poverty on girls’ education is particularly concerning, as it reinforces gender inequalities in schools.

Even when students attend school without proper products, they may feel embarrassed, stressed, or unable to concentrate. This reduces participation in class, lowers self-esteem, and sometimes causes withdrawal. Teachers often notice that students facing these challenges engage less, which further affects their academic progress.

Why access to menstrual hygiene products is essential for schools

Schools play a key role in addressing this issue by ensuring access to the necessary resources. There is a direct link between period poverty solutions in schools : students with access to menstrual products feel more comfortable and confident in class.

Providing products also helps normalize the subject and reduce taboos. Schools can combine free product distribution with educational programs to raise awareness about menstrual health. In some regions, cultural taboos still discourage students from attending school during their periods; open discussions are therefore essential.

The lack of access to menstrual products in schools creates clear inequality. This problem not only affects girls but also prevents schools from promoting well-being and inclusion. Offering access to products is a simple, effective way to ensure a fair learning environment.

Free sanitary pad and tampon dispensers in schools: a real solution

One of the best period poverty solutions in schools is to provide free menstrual products for students. Installing a menstrual product dispenser for schools with both a tampon and pad dispenser in schools ensures discreet and simple access. These dispensers can be placed in restrooms, just like toilet paper or soap.

This initiative removes financial barriers for disadvantaged students and provides security for those caught off guard by unexpected periods. More and more schools worldwide are adopting free sanitary product programs and dispensers to promote dignity and equality. By making products freely accessible, schools demonstrate their commitment to health, gender equality, and educational equity.

Improving gender equality through menstrual equity programs

Offering free sanitary products for students is not just about comfort it’s about equality. Addressing menstrual inequity in education means ensuring that all students, regardless of income or gender, have equal chances to succeed. Schools that invest in menstrual equity programs help break the cycle of poverty by enabling girls to continue their studies without interruption.

Some governments have already legislated to make menstrual products free in schools, recognizing the need to tackle period poverty systematically. These initiatives send a powerful message: periods should never be a reason to miss school.

The Role of Awareness and Education

Beyond access to products, education plays a central role. Teaching menstrual health helps break taboos and foster empathy. Workshops, hygiene lessons, and open discussions allow students to feel comfortable asking for help and talking about their periods without shame. Teachers and school staff should also be trained to better support students.

Raising awareness among parents, policymakers, and communities is equally important. Greater understanding of the consequences of period poverty encourages public policies and sustainable solutions.

Building a Future Without Period Poverty

The connection between period poverty and education is undeniable. Students without access to menstrual products are disadvantaged: they miss classes, perform worse academically, and lose confidence. By providing free sanitary products for students, installing menstrual product dispensers in schools, and implementing menstrual equity programs, schools can ensure that no student is left behind because of their period.

Fighting menstrual inequity in education is an essential step toward gender equality and improved academic results for all students. Investing in menstrual health is investing in the future: allowing students to focus on learning, fully participate in school life, and achieve their ambitions.