Menstruation is a natural biological process that affects millions of women and girls once a month. This natural process is often looked at as a burden or a misery because nearly 500 million females can’t afford menstruation products. Most states impose sales tax on menstruation products. One in 5 females globally miss school during their period. So many statistics about period poverty, yet many people still don’t acknowledge it.
I find it sad that there are so many women, especially young women, who have to use fabric or pieces of toilet paper as a menstruation product. As a woman, there have been times when I got my period unexpectedly, and I had to use toilet paper. I, along with many other women, know how uncomfortable that is. I believe menstruation products should be free for all; it is a natural process that happens, and we shouldn’t have to pay for something we can’t control. Around 12 countries provide free menstruation products. I hope that one day women will finally have to stop worrying about the cost of menstruation products.
Thanushi Ratnatunge
Sunderland