Period poverty, a pressing yet often overlooked issue, affects millions of individuals worldwide. It’s a term that describes the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene education, and hygiene facilities, leading to significant challenges for those who menstruate. Some examples of the challenges being faced are things like missing school or work, having to use toilet paper (which isn’t realistic long term) and in some cases having to choose between period products and another necessity like food.
The Scope of the Problem
In schools, period poverty can be devastating. Students who cannot afford menstrual products
are often forced to miss classes, leading to a gap in education and participation. I can speak for my school as it’s considered Title 1. This means that most people that attend are underprivileged. Some girls I’ve spoken to in the past have talked about the struggle of having to miss school due to their menstrual cycle and having a lack of clean accessible care. However, my school does the bare minimum of having a tiny box of pads that are outside the nurses office. The problem with that is the nurse's office is in front of the main hallway meaning EVERYONE is always there. Negative stigmas surrounding menstruation exacerbate this issue, as many of my peers have expressed feeling embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. This situation is not just a matter of physical discomfort; it directly affects students’ mental health, confidence, and academic performance. Women’s shelters face similar challenges. escaping domestic violence, homelessness, or financial instability. For these individuals, access to period products is not a luxury but a necessity. Unfortunately, shelters often struggle to provide enough supplies, and those in need are left to use makeshift solutions, which can lead to health problems such as Toxic Shock Syndrome and further diminish their dignity.
Enter FemCare 4 All
Recognizing the critical need for accessible period products, I launched FemCare 4 All, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that no one has to face period poverty, especially in schools and women’s shelters. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide free access to menstrual products for everyone who needs them, without negative stigmas of uneducation or shame.
FemCare 4 All is taking significant steps to address this issue by partnering with a company that has generously agreed to sponsor our efforts. Through this partnership, we have secured a period product dispenser and a continuous supply of pads and tampons for our local schools. This initiative ensures that students have the necessary resources to manage their periods with dignity, allowing them to focus on their education without the burden of period poverty. In addition to our efforts in schools, FemCare 4 All extends its reach to women’s shelters, where the need for menstrual products is equally urgent. We are committed to supplying these shelters with the products they need, helping to restore a sense of normalcy and dignity to the lives of those who are already facing immense challenges. The Broader Impact The work of FemCare 4 All is about more than just providing products; it’s about changing the conversation around menstruation and period poverty. By addressing this issue head-on, we aim to break the negative stigmas that often surround menstruation and empower individuals to advocate for their own needs. Through our initiative, we hope to inspire others to join the fight against period poverty. Whether through organizing fundraisers, donating products, or simply spreading awareness, there are countless ways for individuals and communities to get involved.
Looking Ahead
The fight against period poverty is far from over, but FemCare 4 All is committed to making a lasting impact. Our vision is to expand our efforts, reaching more schools, shelters, and communities across the country. We believe that everyone deserves the right to manage their period with dignity and that access to menstrual products is a fundamental human right. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to our mission of ensuring that no one has to suffer from period poverty. Together, we can create a world where menstrual products are accessible to all, and where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, health, or dignity. Join us in the fight against period poverty—because everyone deserves FemCare 4 All.
Chloe Cannon
11th Grade
Lewisville, Texas
To learn more follow FemCare 4 All on instagram
@femcare4all
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