Period Poverty Explained: Saalt’s Role In Expanding Access

Key Takeaways:

• End Period Poverty: Period poverty is a global issue that affects millions, causing missed opportunities in education and work, and impacting overall well-being due to lack of access to menstrual products.

• Impact Through Access: Saalt, a Certified B Corp, is actively fighting period poverty by donating 1% of revenue to impact programs and offering sustainable, reusable menstrual products like cups, discs, and leakproof underwear.

• Breaking Systemic Barriers: The barriers to ending period poverty go beyond product access, encompassing societal stigma, taxation on menstrual products, and inadequate infrastructure, requiring a multifaceted approach to solve.

Period poverty affects millions worldwide, making it hard for women and girls to afford menstrual products. This impacts daily life—causing missed school, work, and a loss of dignity. It’s not just a financial issue; it’s about health and opportunity, too. Saalt steps up with reusable menstrual cups, discs, and leakproof underwear—eliminating surprise leaks and costly single-use products. As a certified B-Corp, Saalt also donates 1% of its revenue to initiatives fighting period poverty globally. Their underwear, made without PFAS, supports people through every stage of life, from teens to postpartum and beyond. Saalt believes access to period care is a basic right, and their mission is to make it a reality for everyone. By choosing Saalt, you’re helping break down barriers and bring essential products to those who need them most. Together, we can help end period poverty for good.

What Is Period Poverty and Why It Persists

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, education, or sanitation because of financial hardship or systemic barriers. (WHO)  Millions of girls and women globally can’t afford essentials like pads or tampons, making them miss school, work, or turn to unhygienic alternatives such as rags or newspapers. This isn’t just a health or hygiene problem—it’s about dignity and equality.

Why does period poverty persist? For starters, menstrual products aren’t cheap, and low-income households may prioritize food or rent over these critical items. Then there’s persistent stigma—menstruation is considered taboo or shameful in many cultures, leading to limited conversation, policy, or educational support. Access to proper sanitation also remains a challenge, with schools or communities lacking clean bathrooms and water, compounding the issue.

Importantly, this isn’t a challenge confined to developing nations. Even in wealthy countries, period poverty affects marginalized communities, the homeless, and those struggling financially. The root cause is systemic: menstrual health isn’t recognized widely as a basic right but rather overlooked as a private matter.

Overcoming period poverty means tackling the core causes—economic inequality, cultural silence, and limited infrastructure. Addressing these will require not just making products affordable and available, but also breaking down stigma and ensuring menstrual health is treated as a fundamental right for everyone, everywhere.

The Ripple Effects on Education, Work, and Well-Being

Period poverty’s impact goes far beyond lacking menstrual products—it disrupts education, work, and overall well-being. For a young girl without access to pads or tampons, the arrival of her period can mean missing a week of school each month. Take the UNESCO estimate: one in ten girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their period, amounting to around 20% of the academic year. Over time, these gaps disrupt learning, widen educational disparities, and lower graduation rates, weakening future opportunities. (National Library of Medicine)

The workplace is no exception. Many women who can’t afford menstrual products are forced into makeshift solutions—improvised items that fail to offer proper protection. The constant worry about leaks or discomfort can reduce productivity, focus, and attendance. For hourly or gig workers without paid leave, this can mean missed shifts, lost wages, or even jeopardized job security. In a competitive workforce, these hidden obstacles add up, compounding challenges that women already face in career advancement and financial stability.

Well-being suffers, too. Period poverty breeds shame and amplifies stigma, eroding self-esteem and emotional health. Women and girls facing these challenges often report anxiety, embarrassment, and social isolation. The pressure of having to ration products, or the fear of public humiliation, puts mental health at risk and strips away a sense of dignity and normalcy.

Ultimately, period poverty is not just about hygiene—it’s about equality, empowerment, and human rights. Its ripple effects trap millions in cycles of disadvantage, affecting their education, career prospects, and self-worth. Addressing this overlooked issue means creating opportunities for all women and girls to thrive without unnecessary barriers or shame.

Global Statistics That Paint the Full Picture

Let’s zoom out and look at the numbers defining period poverty worldwide. This isn’t just an isolated problem—it’s a global crisis. According to UNESCO, about 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their periods due to lack of access to menstrual products or safe, private facilities. (Worldbank.org) That’s a staggering barrier, impacting millions of girls and their education.

The problem spans economic lines, too. A 2019 report by Plan International found 1 in 5 girls in the UK have struggled to afford period products, with some forced to use rags, socks, or even newspapers. This highlights that even in developed countries, many young women are left without safe, hygienic solutions. On a larger scale, the World Bank estimates that insufficient menstrual hygiene causes billions in lost productivity for women and girls every year. This is about more than dignity—it’s a financial blow to entire economies.

Health risks compound the issue. UNICEF data shows poor menstrual hygiene, often because of poverty, leads to infections and long-term health issues. In areas lacking clean water and proper sanitation, these risks multiply. What starts with the lack of basic menstrual products can quickly spiral into missed education, ongoing health challenges, and limited opportunities. The numbers are clear: period poverty is a global problem with deep-rooted consequences, and it’s time to address it head-on.

Barriers Beyond Products: Stigma, Taxation, and Infrastructure

Period poverty goes beyond just lacking products—it stems from deeper societal and systemic barriers. Stigma is a major obstacle. Menstruation remains a taboo subject; many girls skip school out of shame or fear of being ridiculed, and women often hide their periods at work to avoid judgment. This silence limits opportunities and participation in daily life.

Taxation also plays a role. In many places, menstrual products are unfairly taxed as “luxury items.” For low-income individuals, this extra cost can force them to choose between hygiene and basic necessities like food. Such taxes are more than an inconvenience—they’re a structural barrier that deepens period poverty.

Infrastructure is another critical challenge. In many communities, clean water and private bathrooms are unavailable, meaning girls and women often manage periods in unsafe conditions. Without proper facilities for changing or disposing of menstrual products, the risks to health and dignity are significant. Schools and workplaces lacking these basic accommodations further widen educational and economic gaps.

Stigma, unjust taxes, and inadequate infrastructure aren’t minor hurdles—they are the main barriers to achieving menstrual equity. Tackling period poverty demands bold solutions that address all these factors. No one should be held back simply for having a period.

The Cost Comparison: Disposable Pads vs. Reusable Solutions

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Disposable pads or tampons cost most users anywhere from $5 to $15 per month, depending on brand and flow. Over a year, that’s $60 to $180—and over a decade, you could spend up to $1,800 (or more, due to price increases and emergencies).

Reusable solutions tell a different story. Quality menstrual cups or menstrual discs cost around $25 to $40 up front, and leakproof underwear can range similarly. These products are designed to last several years—cups and discs can hold up for up to 10 years with proper care, and underwear for a few years even with regular use. Realistically, you might spend less than $100 over a decade, even if you buy a replacement or two.

The environmental angle is just as compelling. Disposables generate about 20 billion pads and tampons dumped into U.S. landfills annually, each taking centuries to decompose. Switching to reusables drastically reduces your personal waste footprint, making a significant difference over time.

There’s also the convenience factor. With reusables, you have everything you need at home—no more emergency late-night store runs. Yes, reusables require some adjustment: cleaning, sterilizing, and finding your most comfortable fit. But after a learning curve, they’re simple to use.

So, when weighing the options, don’t just look at the immediate price tag. Consider the savings over time, the reduction in waste, and the convenience factor. Though the initial cost of reusable products is higher, you’ll save hundreds of dollars and keep mountains of waste out of landfills in the long run. For many, it’s a switch that just makes sense—for your wallet and the planet.

Saalt’s Commitment to Period Equity as a Certified B Corp

Let’s talk about a mission that goes beyond just selling products—a mission to tackle the systemic issue of period poverty head-on. As a Certified B Corp, this company isn’t just playing the game of commerce; it’s rewriting the rules to prioritize people and planet over profit. That means every pair of leakproof period underwear sold isn’t just a transaction—it’s a step toward dismantling barriers that keep women and girls from accessing the menstrual products they need to live with dignity.

Here’s the harsh reality: millions of women worldwide miss school, work, or critical opportunities because they can’t afford pads, tampons, or other essentials. It’s a silent crisis, one that’s often ignored in boardrooms and policy discussions. But as a B Corp, there’s a pledge to fight this injustice baked into the business model. One percent of revenue—every single year—goes directly to impact programs aimed at ending period poverty. That’s not a marketing gimmick; it’s a measurable commitment to creating period equity on a global scale.

And it’s not just about donations. Sustainability is a core pillar at Saalt, with products designed to cut down on the mountains of single-use menstrual waste piling up in landfills. Think reusable, premium solutions that don’t just save you money but also spare the environment. From teens navigating their first cycles to moms in postpartum recovery, and even women staying active as they age, the focus is on empowering everyone through accessible, eco-friendly options. This isn’t just a company; it’s a movement to ensure no one is left behind when it comes to managing life’s leaks.

Joining Hands with Saalt to End Period Poverty

Let’s wrap this up with a call to action that hits home. Period poverty isn’t just a distant issue—it’s a real barrier for countless women, from teens to moms navigating postpartum, and active women refusing to let bladder leaks slow them down. Saalt isn’t just crafting the best leakproof panties; we’re building a movement. Our mission to end panicked bathroom sprints and sleepless nights on towels is matched by a fierce commitment to period equity worldwide. As a B-Corp, we donate 1% of our revenue to impact programs that expand access to menstrual products for all.

You can be part of this change. Choosing Saalt’s sustainable period panties, made without PFAS—available in diverse styles, sizes, and absorbencies—means supporting women through every life stage, from pregnancy to aging gracefully. Every purchase fuels our fight to end period poverty. So, whether you’re a mom reclaiming confidence or an active woman dodging leaks, join us. Let’s make period equity a reality, one pair of period pants at a time. Together, we can ensure no woman is left behind in the battle against period poverty.

Read Also:

• The Path to Menstrual Freedom: How Saalt Is Answering the Call

• Empowering Women Through Reusable Period Care: Saalt Celebrates Women’s Equality Day

• How Are Reusable Period Products Sustainable?

FAQs About Period Poverty and Saalt’s Mission

How does period poverty affect people worldwide?

Period poverty is a global crisis affecting millions who can’t access menstrual products, sanitation, or education about periods. The result? Missed school and work days, lost opportunities, and persistent stigma. UNESCO estimates 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school because of their period—sometimes up to 20% of the school year. At Saalt, we fight to remove this barrier so everyone can thrive.

Who is most impacted by period poverty?

Period poverty disproportionately impacts marginalized groups: young girls in low-income areas, refugees, and even people in developed countries struggling with affordability. It can also affect postpartum mothers and older women dealing with bladder leaks. We design Saalt leakproof underwear for every life stage—teens, pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond—because everyone deserves comfort and dignity.

What are common causes of period poverty?

Causes include high cost of menstrual products, lack of availability in rural and underserved communities, poor sanitation facilities, and cultural stigma. Many must choose between essentials like food or period care. Taboos often prevent honest discussion and education about menstruation. Saalt addresses these issues by donating 1% of revenue to programs that improve access and advocate for period equity globally.

What are the health risks of period poverty?

People without proper period products may use unsafe alternatives like rags or newspaper, increasing the risk of infections and even toxic shock syndrome. Poor or public sanitation facilities can worsen the risk of urinary and reproductive health issues. Emotional health suffers, too—worrying about leaks or odor erodes confidence. Saalt’s leakproof, PFAS-free underwear offers a safe, reusable solution for all kinds of leaks, helping protect both body and confidence.

Where is period poverty most prevalent?

Period poverty is most severe in low-income regions like sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, where 70% of women report inadequate access to products. But this isn’t just a problem “elsewhere”—in the U.S., 1 in 5 teens struggle to afford period care, and the homeless or incarcerated often go without. Saalt’s mission as a B-Corp is to end period poverty everywhere, through both global and local impact.

Sources:

1. Sci Flo Brasil. (2025, June 20) Period Poverty: a scoping review. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0567.

2. World Health Organization. (2022, June 22) WHO statement on menstrual health and rights. https://www.who.int/news/item/22-06-2022-who-statement-on-menstrual-health-and-rights.

3. World Bank Blogs. (2016, June 27) Globally, Periods Are Causing Girls to Be Absent from School. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/globally-periods-are-causing-girls-be-absent-school.