Unveiling the Reality of Period Poverty in our Community

Period poverty, a global issue impacting approximately 500 million people, is a stark reality within our community that Bags of Promise aims to address. In Canada, a 2019 Gender Study by Plan Canada highlighted the profound impact of menstrual cycles on the lives of those who experience periods. More than half of the menstruating population has reported that their periods affected their full participation in daily activities, with over half missing school, work, or social engagements on account of their menstrual cycles, and among individuals under 25, this percentage increased 70%. The study also uncovered a harsh dilemma faced by one in four menstruating individuals in Canada – the choice between purchasing menstrual products or meeting essential needs like food and rent. This choice is exceptionally difficult for those that find themselves in housing insecure circumstances to make 

While progress has been made towards breaking the stigma that surrounds period poverty, much work can still be done to connect menstruating individuals with resources that are vital to one’s health. Additionally, it is also essential to acknowledge that not everyone who experiences menstruation identifies as a woman, which can increase instances of stigmatization and product inaccessibility for transgender or nonbinary youth facing period poverty. Normalizing conversations about periods is crucial to dismantling these barriers, making it more comfortable for individuals to ask for help when needed. Often overshadowed, period poverty is more prevalent in Ontario than we might realize. The COVID-19 epidemic exacerbated the situation, disrupting stable incomes and closing places like schools where products could usually be found. In addressing this issue, we must confront cost barriers and advocate for supportive government policies. 

Bags of Promise is committed to combating period poverty by facilitating access to vital resources. Through bag drives, our organization has distributed backpacks with various resources, including menstrual products, to shelters. Last year, a successful period drive delivered essential items to Kingston’s Integrated Care Hub. This year, the organization plans to facilitate another drive, addressing the barriers restricting access for those in need. Beyond connecting individuals with products, Bags of Promise aims to raise awareness of the prevalent inequities within the Kingston community.While addressing immediate needs is crucial, the ultimate goal is to create lasting change. Bags of Promise is dedicated to increasing education and awareness surrounding period poverty. By normalizing conversations, advocating for policy changes, and supporting initiatives that bridge the gap, we can collectively work towards a future where period poverty is eradicated, and individuals can navigate their circumstances with dignity and without barriers.

Written by Advocacy Pillar Head Erin Mlynaryk and Advocacy Officers Ysabel Fine & Ruby Saban.

Learn more:

Plan International. A Canadian Gender Study. https://plancanada.ca/reports-and-publications/canadian-data

What is period poverty? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/period-poverty

United Nations Population Fund. Menstruation and human rights - frequently asked questions. https://www.unfpa.org/menstruationfaq.