Period Poverty

Support Womenn's Mission of ending period poverty

At Womenn, we are dedicated to providing support and resources to those in need. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the world by helping those who are struggling.

So, what is period poverty?

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and sanitation facilities, often due to economic constraints. It is a global issue that affects people who menstruate and face difficulties in managing their menstrual health due to financial limitations. Period poverty can have serious consequences on individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their overall well-being.

The challenges associated with period poverty include:

Limited Access to Menstrual Products: Many individuals cannot afford to purchase sanitary pads, tampons, or other menstrual hygiene products regularly. This can lead to using improvised materials, which may be ineffective and pose health risks.
Lack of Education: In some cases, there is a lack of education and awareness about menstruation, contributing to stigma and misconceptions. Limited knowledge about menstrual hygiene practices can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals.
Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Insufficient access to clean and private sanitation facilities can make managing menstruation more difficult. This is particularly problematic in regions where there is a lack of proper infrastructure.
Stigma and Shame: The stigma surrounding menstruation can contribute to feelings of shame and embarrassment, further isolating individuals who may already be struggling with period poverty.
Impact on Health and Education: Period poverty can adversely affect physical and mental health. It may also lead to absenteeism from school or work, hindering educational and economic opportunities.

Efforts to address period poverty include initiatives to provide free menstrual products, promote menstrual hygiene education and work towards reducing the stigma associated with menstruation.

Advocacy for policy changes to ensure access to menstrual products is also crucial in combating period poverty on a broader scale.

Womenn can provide free sanitary wear for girls/women should they need it. Please contact us to request your free products.

Embracing Sustainability:

Womenn - Bringing hope to those in need

The Impact of Reusable Sanitary Pads on Menstrual Hygiene and the Environment

Menstrual hygiene management is a vital aspect of women's health, and in recent years, there has been a growing shift towards sustainable alternatives. Reusable sanitary pads have emerged as an eco-friendly option, offering not only a cost-effective solution but also significant benefits for both the user and the environment. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of reusable sanitary pads in terms of sustainability, environmental impact, and their contribution to promoting a greener future.

1. Reducing Single-Use Waste:

Conventional disposable pads contribute to significant environmental waste. With an estimated 12 billion pads ending up in landfills each year, the environmental impact is undeniable. Reusable sanitary pads, made from washable and durable materials, help reduce this burden by eliminating the need for continuous disposal. This shift towards reusability aligns with the global movement to minimize single-use waste and promote a circular economy.

2. Economic Benefits:

Reusable pads may have a higher initial cost, but their long lifespan makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run. As they can be washed and reused for several years, users save money by not constantly purchasing disposable pads. This economic benefit not only promotes sustainability but also addresses issues of affordability and accessibility for women in various socioeconomic contexts.

3. Low Environmental Footprint:

The production of disposable sanitary pads involves the use of energy, raw materials, and chemicals, contributing to a considerable environmental footprint. Reusable pads, on the other hand, often have a lower impact as they require fewer resources for manufacturing and generate less waste. Their durability also means fewer pads end up in landfills, further reducing the overall environmental burden.

4. Promoting Menstrual Health:

Reusable pads are typically made from breathable, natural materials, reducing the risk of irritation and allergic reactions often associated with synthetic disposable pads. This promotes better menstrual health by providing a comfortable and chemical-free option for women.

5. Community Empowerment:

Embracing reusable sanitary pads can empower communities, especially in regions where access to affordable menstrual hygiene products is limited. By providing education on sustainable menstrual practices and making reusable pads accessible, communities can take charge of their menstrual health in an environmentally conscious way.

6. Educational Initiatives:

Sustainable menstruation is not just about using eco-friendly products but also about fostering awareness and education. Introducing reusable pads into educational initiatives can help break the stigma surrounding menstruation, promote sustainable practices, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their menstrual health.

The rise of reusable sanitary pads represents a positive step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to menstrual hygiene. As awareness grows and more individuals adopt these alternatives, we contribute to reducing the environmental impact of menstrual products. By embracing reusable options, we not only promote a healthier planet but also empower individuals and communities to make choices that align with a more sustainable and equitable future.

Cultural stigma

Cultural stigma surrounding menstruation is a social phenomenon where menstruation is perceived as taboo, shameful, or impure within a particular culture or society. This stigma can manifest in various ways, impacting the way individuals experience and perceive menstruation. Here are some common aspects of cultural stigma related to menstruation:

Secrecy and Silence: In some cultures, there is a tendency to keep menstruation a private matter, leading to silence and secrecy around the topic. This lack of open discussion can contribute to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Rituals and Restrictions: Certain cultures have specific rituals or restrictions associated with menstruation. This might involve isolating individuals during their menstrual periods, imposing dietary restrictions, or limiting their participation in religious or social activities. These practices can reinforce the idea that menstruation is impure or requires seclusion.
Negative Language and Stereotypes: Derogatory language and negative stereotypes related to menstruation contribute to the cultural stigma. The use of pejorative terms or expressions to describe menstruation perpetuates a negative perception of this natural bodily process.
Impact on Opportunities: Cultural stigma may affect individuals' access to education and employment. In some cultures, menstruating individuals may face discrimination, leading to restrictions on their participation in certain activities, such as attending school or working.
Media and Popular Culture: Media representations and popular culture can reinforce cultural stigma. Negative portrayals of menstruation in movies, television shows, or advertisements can contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and reinforce negative attitudes.

Efforts to combat cultural stigma around menstruation involve education, awareness, and challenging societal norms. This includes promoting open discussions about menstruation, providing accurate information, and debunking myths and misconceptions. Implementing policies that ensure equal opportunities for menstruating individuals and addressing discriminatory practices are also crucial steps toward breaking down cultural stigma.

Cultural change often requires a multifaceted approach that involves individuals, communities, and institutions working together to foster a more inclusive and accepting attitude toward menstruation.

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Period poverty

Menstrual disorders

Being a woman is hard as it is, we can also come with menstrual disorders...

Menstrual disorders refer to abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle that may affect the regularity, frequency, or intensity of menstrual periods. These disorders can have various causes, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, or underlying health conditions. Here are some common menstrual disorders:

Amenorrhea:

Definition: Absence of menstrual periods.

Types:

Primary Amenorrhea: No menstruation by age 16 without signs of puberty, or no menstruation by age 14 with no signs of breast development.
Secondary Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation for three or more menstrual cycles in a woman who has previously had regular periods.

Dysmenorrhea:

Definition: Painful menstruation.

Types:

Primary Dysmenorrhea: Common menstrual cramps without an underlying medical condition.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual pain associated with an underlying medical condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Menorrhagia:

Definition: Heavy menstrual bleeding.

Characteristics: Menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days or involves the passing of large blood clots.

Metrorrhagia:
Definition: Irregular, non-menstrual bleeding between periods.

Characteristics: Spotting or bleeding that occurs outside the regular menstrual cycle.

Oligomenorrhea:
Definition: Infrequent or irregular menstrual periods.

Characteristics: Menstrual cycles longer than 35 days, with fewer than six to eight periods in a year.

Polymenorrhea:

Definition: Frequent menstrual periods.

Characteristics: Menstrual cycles shorter than 21 days, with more than 12 periods in a year.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):
Definition: A combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (usually one to two weeks before menstruation).

Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, and other physical or emotional changes.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):
Definition: A severe form of PMS with more pronounced emotional and psychological symptoms.

Symptoms: Severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, and irritability that significantly impact daily functioning.

Endometriosis:

Definition: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

Symptoms: Pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and infertility.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
Definition: A hormonal disorder in which the ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgens (male hormones).

Symptoms: Irregular periods, ovarian cysts, acne, weight gain, and fertility issues.

Uterine Fibroids:
Definition: Non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years.

Symptoms: Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and frequent urination.

Asherman's Syndrome:
Definition: Scar tissue forms inside the uterus, often as a result of uterine surgery or inflammation.

Symptoms: Changes in menstrual flow, pelvic pain, and infertility.

It's important for individuals experiencing abnormal menstrual symptoms to consult with healthcare professionals. Diagnosis and management of menstrual disorders often involve a combination of medical history review, physical examinations, and, in some cases, imaging or laboratory tests. Treatment options vary depending on the specific disorder and may include medications, hormonal therapies, lifestyle modifications, or surgical interventions. Seeking timely medical advice is crucial for addressing menstrual disorders and promoting overall reproductive health.

Please consult your GP for further information. The NHS website also contains valuable information which can be found here Period problems - NHS (www.nhs.uk)