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Period poverty is a continuing global challenge

Nature Human Behaviour volume 8, pages 2070–2071 (2024)Cite this article

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We should not only pay attention to period poverty during specific events or seasons. Period poverty requires continuous attention, as it affects individuals every day. Addressing this issue demands consistent effort and awareness to ensure that everyone has access to the necessary resources and support, regardless of the time of year.

Currently, menstruation is treated primarily as a women's issue, with insufficient attention and prioritization. According to UNICEF, at least 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. The stigma surrounding menstruation further prevents open discussion and awareness, which exacerbates the problem2,3. This lack of attention and prioritization must change.

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Fig. 1: A peaceful demonstration for social justice (Constitutional Hill, South Africa).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Lucy Khofi

  2. Department of Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Lucy Khofi

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  1. Lucy Khofi
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Correspondence to Lucy Khofi.

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The author declares no competing interests.

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Khofi, L. Period poverty is a continuing global challenge. Nat Hum Behav 8, 2070–2071 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01981-x

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