The problem.

Millions of women around the world lack access to period products, which puts them at risk for infection and results in them missing work or school.

The affected.

As of 2018, 250 million girls and women lack access to safe menstrual products and the tools necessary to manage their periods.

60% of girls in developing nations lose five days of school every month due to lack of access to period products. In places like India and Sub-Saharan Africa, menstruating girls drop out of school due to the stigma of menstruation and/or a lack of resources.​

Homeless women end up using socks, rags, plastic bags or dirty newspapers in place of a proper product. Their lack of access to hygiene tools also restricts their ability to use some reusable period products, such as menstrual cups.

In the U.S., imprisoned women report having to reuse period products because they are not properly dispensed, making their risk for infection higher. In one Arizona prison, women are only allotted 12 pads per month, and no tampons.

Taxation.

In 37 U.S. states, tampons are taxed because they are not considered necessities. The good news is that more states are trying to change legislation. In other developed nations like France, Germany, Australia, the U.K., and Italy, tampons are taxed anywhere from 5% to 21%.