Period Poverty in Santa Clara County

 The numbers are staggering.

16.9 million people who menstruate in the US are living in poverty. 

With taxes on menstrual products ranging between 4.7% to 10% in 2019, two-thirds of these 16.9 million low-income individuals in the US could not afford menstrual products in the past year, with nearly half of them having to choose between menstrual products and food. This obstruction in accessing menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and education is called period poverty.

Period poverty is associated with physical and mental health issues ranging from urinary tract infections to depression, but remains an under recognised social issue that prevents women from being a part of the workforce, receiving an uninterrupted education, and ultimately having access to opportunities for growth.

Period poverty is an immediate issue that needs to be addressed. Be a part of the solution. 

In upcoming posts, we will be discussing the various aspects of period poverty -ranging from government bills to sustainable period products. 

We will also discuss how you can help. Whether by educating people around you about sustainable period products or by donating sanitary products, you can be involved in a variety of ways.