To mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), CEO of Days for Girls Australia, Mary Connelly-Gale shares this piece on one of the hidden aspects of poverty facing women and girls.
In Australia, poverty is often seen through housing insecurity, unemployment, and financial stress. But there’s a hidden aspect that often goes unspoken: period poverty.
This occurs when people who menstruate can’t afford the products they need, forcing them to manage their periods in unhealthy, undignified ways. While we typically associate this issue with developing countries, it’s a harsh reality for many Australians, especially those living below the poverty line.
Period poverty and financial hardship are deeply intertwined. According to the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), in 2023 over 13% of Australians live in poverty.
For many women, girls, and non-binary people, this means choosing between basic necessities—like food and rent—or menstrual products. The cost of pads and tampons is too high, pushing people to use makeshift alternatives or even skip school and work altogether during their cycle.
The physical health implications are serious, but the emotional toll is just as significant, leaving many feeling ashamed and helpless.
Young girls in particular suffer. Missing school because they can’t manage their periods robs them of education, one of the few pathways out of poverty. Falling behind in studies can lead to dropping out, which sets off a lifetime of missed opportunities. The ripple effect is undeniable. Education breaks the cycle of poverty, but without access to something as basic as period products, many girls are being left behind.
Take, for example, the story of a single father in Western Australia. He struggled to send his daughters to school because one had experienced a blood leak and was teased. When provided with reusable menstrual kits, he expressed relief that his children no longer had to face the fear of period stigma.
“I felt like I was failing as a dad,” he said, “but now, they have these special packs, and my daughter doesn’t look scared to go to school anymore.”
For women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, the struggle is even worse. They must prioritise survival—finding food, shelter, and safety—over menstrual care. Many are forced to choose between feeding themselves and buying pads. No one should face such a choice.
Despite the severity of period poverty in Australia, grassroots organisations are stepping in. Charities like Days for Girls Australia provide free menstrual products, education and advocate for policy changes. Good360 Australia distributes surplus goods, including menstrual health products, to disadvantaged communities. However, while these efforts are vital, they’re often reliant on donations and aren’t enough to address the scale of the problem.
The solution needs to come from higher up. We need government-led policies that guarantee free and accessible menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Scotland has led the way with its Period Products Act, and Australia should follow suit. Comprehensive health education is also key. Breaking the stigma around menstruation will make it easier for people to ask for help when they need it.
Menstrual products aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. The more we talk about menstruation openly, the clearer it becomes that period poverty is an urgent issue, deserving of real action from policymakers.
Period poverty in Australia is a symptom of deeper financial inequality, but it is one that is solvable. It limits access to education, employment, and even basic health, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
Local initiatives like Days for Girls Australia are making strides in alleviating some of this burden, but systemic change is urgently needed. Addressing period poverty means recognising menstrual health as a basic human right, one that should not be denied to anyone because of their financial circumstances.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, addressing period poverty should be a priority.
Wherever there is poverty, there is period poverty—a stark reminder that immediate intervention is necessary. While broader issues like inflation and financial instability are complex, period poverty is a tangible, solvable problem. With the right resources, we can ease the burden on vulnerable Australians and promote menstrual equity for all.