Always’ Advocates for Systemic Solutions to #EndPeriodPoverty
Approximately 3.5 million girls have missed school here in the U.S. due to a lack of access to period products.1
Lack of access to period protection is often known as period poverty – and it affects people all around the world, even in the most economically developed countries. Here in the U.S. nearly 1 in 5 girls have missed school because they didn’t have access to period products.2
When girls don’t have access to period products, not only do they not feel protected, but it puts their confidence, dignity and education at risk. They’re less likely to be able to participate in their education and other activities, and if they are, they’re likely to feel distracted and unable to focus on reaching their full potential.
“Always has been championing young people’s confidence for more than 35 years through puberty and confidence education, providing access to period products and driving societal change,” says Melissa Suk, Vice President of North America Feminine Care at Procter & Gamble. Since the launch of Always’ #EndPeriodPoverty program in 2018, Always has donated over 160 million period products to people in need around the world, including more than 50 million in the U.S., in partnership with organizations like Feeding America®.
Join us and the Feeding America® network in supporting Always #EndPeriodPoverty to make period protection more accessible for everyone. Set Always #EndPeriod Poverty as your cause, today!
The Menstrual Equality for All Act
While donations can help people stay in school and improve confidence, donations alone cannot resolve period poverty, as poverty itself is a systemic issue. The stigma surrounding periods makes matters worse, preventing those affected from voicing their needs, and preventing potential solutions from being widely discussed and implemented. While several U.S. states have increased action to help #EndPeriodPoverty, 56% of society believe they should be doing more to provide free products to those who need them.3
If passed, Congresswoman Grace Meng’s Menstrual Equity for All Act would help do just that across the U.S. This bill would ensure that all young people have access to free period products at school, so that no one would have to miss out because of their period. “It is the first whole-of-government approach to address this issue and would help end the problem of period poverty,” said Meng.
To further raise awareness around period poverty across the country and motivate society at large to support the bill, Always is also partnering with actress and activist Jameela Jamil. “I am very proud to partner with Always and support their mission to help #EndPeriodPoverty. I encourage everyone to join us in supporting the Menstrual Equity for All Act to help keep young people in school,” said Jamil.
To learn more about the Act, click here.
1 1000 U.S. females, 16-24 y.o., Research Now ’17 & U.S. 2016 Census
2 1000 U.S. females, 16-24 y.o., Research Now ‘17
3 4000 U.S. respondents, One Poll ‘21