PERIOD POVERTY
Period poverty means not having enough money or resources to manage your period comfortably and safely.
It can make it hard for people to get the necessary products like pads or tampons and proper facilities to deal with their periods. This problem can affect a person's health, education, and overall well-being.
Period poverty can impact individuals in Canada in several ways:
- Health and Hygiene: People who can't afford menstrual products may resort to using inadequate substitutes or going without, which can lead to health issues like infections or discomfort.
- Education: Period poverty can result in missed school or workdays because individuals may feel too embarrassed or uncomfortable to attend during their periods. This can negatively affect their education and future job prospects.
- Mental Health: Dealing with period poverty can cause stress, anxiety, and shame, leading to negative impacts on mental health and self-esteem.
- Financial Strain: Spending money on menstrual products can be a significant expense for those living on a tight budget. Period poverty can add to financial stress and make it harder to meet other basic needs.
- Social Isolation: Period poverty can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion, as individuals may avoid social activities during their periods to avoid embarrassment.
- Gender Inequality: Period poverty disproportionately affects people who menstruate, often women and transgender individuals, perpetuating gender inequality and discrimination.
In response to these challenges, there have been initiatives in Canada, including various organizations and government programs, that aim to provide free or affordable menstrual products and raise awareness about period poverty. However, the issue still exists for some Canadians, particularly those in vulnerable or marginalized communities.
PERIOD SHAMING
Menstrual Stigma, or Period Shaming, refers to the social and cultural taboos, stereotypes, and negative attitudes surrounding the natural biological process of menstruation.
It involves the shame, secrecy, and discrimination associated with menstruation, often perpetuated by societal norms and misconceptions.
Menstruation stigma can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Silence and Secrecy: Many societies discourage open discussions about menstruation, leading to a culture of silence where individuals may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking about their periods.
- Shame and Discomfort: Menstruation stigma can make individuals feel ashamed of their bodies and this natural bodily function. They may feel embarrassed to purchase menstrual products or discuss their menstrual needs openly.
- Limited Education: In some cases, educational curricula may lack comprehensive information about menstruation, contributing to misunderstandings and perpetuating stigma.
- Delayed Diagnosis: The stigma around menstruation may discourage some individuals from discussing their symptoms openly with healthcare providers. As a result, they may not receive a timely diagnosis for conditions such as endometriosis, leading to prolonged pain and suffering.
- Discrimination: Menstruation stigma can lead to discrimination in various aspects of life, including work, education, and healthcare. Some individuals may face negative consequences or biases related to their periods.
- Gender Stereotypes: Stigma around menstruation can reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes, contributing to gender inequalities and discrimination.
Efforts to combat menstruation stigma include promoting open conversations, providing accurate and inclusive education about menstruation, advocating for affordable and accessible menstrual products, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate shame and discrimination related to this natural bodily function.
