Period Poverty: Why Access to Sanitary Pads Matters for Girls’ Education and Dignity
Period Poverty: A Silent Barrier to Girls’ Education and Dignity
In many communities around the world — and right here in South Africa — a natural biological process continues to be surrounded by silence and stigma. Period poverty, the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and safe toilets, affects millions of girls and women. This issue is not just about hygiene — it’s about equity, education, and dignity.
How Period Poverty Affects Education
Imagine being a 13-year-old girl who gets her period but has no access to sanitary towels. What happens next? For many, it means missing school days — up to a week every month — to avoid the fear of leaks, bullying, or embarrassment. Without proper menstrual hygiene products, some girls use unsafe alternatives like old rags, newspapers, or even leaves.
Over time, this leads to:
- Falling behind academically
- Dropping out of school
- Lower self-confidence
- Reduced long-term opportunities
Menstruation Stigma: The Unseen Cost
Beyond the physical challenges, girls face deep-rooted cultural taboos that label periods as dirty or shameful. Many are taught to hide their periods, not talk about them, and feel embarrassed about a perfectly natural process.
The result?
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of accurate knowledge
- Hesitation to seek medical help
- Isolation
Breaking this silence is crucial to achieving equality and respect for girls and women.
What Needs to Change
Ending period poverty is about more than products. It’s about creating an ecosystem of support, education, and dignity. Here's how we can help:
✅ Distribute free or affordable sanitary pads in schools and clinics
✅ Integrate menstrual health education into school curricula
✅ Improve toilets and hygiene facilities in rural and urban schools
✅ Support awareness campaigns that normalize conversations around periods
✅ Involve boys and men in menstrual health conversations
Elesure’s Commitment
At Elesure, we believe that period dignity is a right, not a privilege. Our high-quality, ultra-absorbent sanitary pads are designed to keep girls comfortable, confident, and in control of their menstrual health.
We are proud to partner with organisations, schools, and community leaders to:
- Provide sanitary towels to girls in need
- Educate communities about menstrual health
- Break the stigma, one conversation at a time
Together, Let’s End Period Poverty
Let’s ensure that no girl misses school, hides in shame, or risks her health simply because of her period. When we talk about menstruation, provide access to products, and build awareness, we create a world where every girl can rise with dignity.
#MenstrualHygieneDay #EndPeriodPoverty #ElesureCares #PeriodPride