A group of motivated young individuals in the U.K. is striving to improve access to menstrual hygiene products and related information for teenagers. Period poverty—which refers to the inability to obtain menstrual products, healthcare, and education regarding menstruation—affects many menstruators globally, leading to feelings of shame and unpreparedness about their bodies and cycles.
The organization known as Youth Empowerment U.K., comprising volunteers aged 14 to 24, has initiated a survey for teenagers aged 12 to 19. This initiative invites young people to express their visions for a society where everyone can feel “Period Proud.” The goal is to emphasize how period poverty impacts education and mental well-being, while also suggesting practical solutions to policymakers.
Last year, the U.K. government announced plans to provide free menstrual products to all high schools and universities. However, Youth Empowerment U.K. reports that only 40% of schools have adopted this program, leaving many without essential products for safe and dignified menstruation. The organization aims to bridge this gap by understanding the specific needs of individuals and offering them a platform to voice their menstrual health concerns.
In addition to the survey (with a chance to win £50, or about $70 USD), volunteers are distributing free self-care packages to those in need. Each package contains sanitary napkins, tampons, and other self-care essentials like shampoo and deodorant, which can be expensive or hard to find for those lacking reliable transportation.
In a statement regarding the initiative, Youth Empowerment U.K. CEO Jordan Smith commented, “We don’t want a world where young people who menstruate have to worry about affording their products. While it’s great that the government is providing free items, many are still not being utilized, and we need to promote this service. We’re also discovering that young people are often hesitant to request these products. Our volunteers want to uncover the reasons behind this to suggest long-term improvements while providing immediate help through self-care packs.”
Period poverty is also a significant issue in the U.S., where organizations like Period Proud are dedicated to normalizing menstruation and ensuring access to menstrual products—especially for BIPOC communities—regardless of gender identity or socioeconomic status. Supporting their mission is a meaningful way to contribute; for instance, a $21 donation can provide a month’s worth of period supplies to someone in need.
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In summary, a dedicated group of young people in the U.K. is taking significant steps to combat period poverty and its associated stigmas. By providing essential resources and encouraging open dialogue, they are fostering an environment where all can feel confident and supported in their menstrual health.
Keyphrase: period poverty awareness
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