Period Products for All: Challenging the Stigma and Normalizing Accessibility in the UK

For many people who menstruate, the monthly cost of period products can add up quickly. From pads to tampons to menstrual cups, these items are essential for managing menstrual bleeding. Yet, they have often considered luxury items, and their cost can create financial barriers for those who can't afford them.

 

This is particularly true for those experiencing homelessness or poverty, who may not have access to necessities like clean underwear or a safe place to change.

 

In the United Kingdom, the issue of period poverty has gained more attention in recent years, and there has been a push to make period products more accessible to all. This includes efforts to break down the stigma around menstruation, which can lead to embarrassment and shame for those who need period products.

 

One solution that has gained momentum is the idea of providing free-period products in public spaces, much like toilet paper. This would ensure that anyone who needs period products can access them without having to worry about the cost. In Scotland, this idea has already been put into action, with the Scottish government passing a law in 2020 that made period products available for free in schools, colleges, and universities.

 

The initiative in Scotland is a positive step towards normalizing the idea that period products are a basic necessity, and should be treated as such. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that period products are accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.

 

In England, the government has pledged to provide free period products in schools, but there is no law mandating this yet. In the meantime, there are grassroots efforts to make period products more accessible. For example, the organization Bloody Good Period collects and distributes period products to asylum seekers and refugees who may not have access to them.

 

Ultimately, breaking the stigma around menstruation and making period products accessible to all requires a shift in cultural attitudes. It means recognizing that menstruation is a normal bodily function that should not be shamed or stigmatized. It means acknowledging that period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and should be treated as such. And it means taking concrete steps to ensure that anyone who needs period products can access them without fear of judgment or financial barriers.

 

By working together to challenge the stigma around menstruation and advocating for the accessibility of period products, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. Period products for all are not just a slogan, it's a necessity.