Released on Friday 28 May 2021, a new Plan International Australia report reveals that due largely to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, girls, women and gender diverse people who menstruate around the world are facing even more serious challenges when it comes to managing their periods.
The report, which has been launched by the charity for girls’ equality for World Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May 2021), ‘Periods in a Pandemic: One Year On in 2021’, looks at how Covid-19 has impacted menstrual health and hygiene more than a year since the start of the pandemic.
The research reveals that managing menstrual health has become significantly more challenging due to the pandemic – access to timely and accurate menstrual health information and guidance is limited when schools and community centres are closed due to lockdown measures, and people who menstruate are also often at the frontlines fighting the pandemic and caring for others.
In Australia, menstrual health experts note that the pandemic has forced many charities working to target period poverty and stigma to close their doors, leaving many lower income people unable to access period products.
Reportedly Australian not-for-profit, Share The Dignity notes that in the last 12 months there has been a 30% increase in the average usage of their Dignity Vending Machines (dispensing free period pads and tampons).
Plan International Australia CEO, Susanne Legena says that this new report “lays bare how Covid-19 and its secondary impacts have exacerbated period poverty”.
“These issues existed before the pandemic, but we know that this virus has in many cases made the situation worse – especially for girls,” she says.
“Periods don’t stop during the pandemic. For millions of girls in the countries where Plan International operates, privately and safely managing menstruation and addressing the taboo and stigma associated with it is vital to ensuring their human rights, health and dignity – and these are all under threat right now, as Covid-19 continues to devastate the world.”
The report’s key findings
- Lack of access to information and services – 59% said this had worsened since May 2020 (when 54% agreed this was a challenge caused by Covid-19).
- Restricted access to products, through shortages or disrupted supply chains – 52% said this had worsened since May 2020 (when 73% agreed this was a challenge caused by Covid-19).
- Lack of privacy for people who menstruate to manage their periods at home privately, leading to increased stigma and shame – 45% observed this was a challenge caused by extended lockdowns and school closures.
- An increase in price of products – 41% said this had worsened since May 2020 (when 58% agreed this was a challenge caused by Covid-19).
- Reduced access to clean water to manage periods – 27% said this had worsened since May 2020 (when 51% agreed this was a challenge caused by Covid-19).
- A less hygienic environment for disposal of products – 32% said this had worsened since May 2020 (when 47% agreed this was a challenge caused by Covid-19).
- Increased stigma, shaming or harmful cultural practices – 23% said this had worsened since May 2020 (when 24% agreed this was a problem caused by Covid-19).
‘Periods in a Pandemic: One Year On In 2021’ provides recommendations on how to include menstrual health and hygiene within a Covid-19 response.
It also includes key learnings on the benefit of online menstrual health and hygiene education sessions and the importance of building period education into all school curriculums.
For more information and to read the report, visit: plan.org.au/publications/periods-in-a-pandemic-one-year-on/
