Her Foundation – Raising Awareness about Period Poverty as a key issue for women on International Women’s Day

Every March, we celebrate International Women’s Day but there are issues that continue to impact girls and women around the world every day. One pressing issue that continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide is period poverty. The inability to access menstrual products, education, and hygiene facilities can have a profound impact on their health, education, and dignity.

Dedicated towards empowering women and girls with access to period resources and know-how, Her Foundation plays a pivotal role in taking on the issue of period poverty head-on. Through multiple initiatives such as education, awareness, and support initiatives and by aligning their mission with the global movement for gender equality, they remain committed to a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier to a woman’s progress.

Understanding Period Poverty and Its Impact

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and education about menstrual health. According to global studies, millions of girls miss school due to a lack of sanitary products and inadequate facilities. The stigma surrounding menstruation further exacerbates this issue, leading to shame, misinformation, and social exclusion.

The consequences of period poverty go beyond inconvenience. It contributes to educational inequality, as many girls are forced to miss school or drop out entirely. It also impacts mental health and self-esteem, reinforcing gender disparities in personal and professional spheres. Addressing period poverty is essential in ensuring that all women and girls have equal opportunities to thrive.

Her Foundation’s Mission in Addressing Period Poverty

As a leading advocate for menstrual equity in Sri Lanka, Her Foundation is focusing on education, accessibility, and empowerment. Their initiatives aim to:

• Educate young girls and communities about menstrual health and hygiene.
• Distribute sanitary products to those in need.
• Break the stigma around menstruation through awareness campaigns.
• Advocate for policy changes to make menstrual hygiene a priority.

By providing sustainable solutions, Her Foundation ensures that women and girls have access to both knowledge and resources, enabling them to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.

Period Poverty Education and International Women’s Day

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is focused on accelerating gender equality through education and empowerment. This directly aligns with Her Foundation’s commitment to menstrual health education, as addressing period poverty is a crucial step toward ensuring gender equity.

1. Raising Awareness About Menstrual Health

Many young girls lack menstrual education, leading to confusion, shame, and limited knowledge about their bodies. International Women’s Day provides a global platform to emphasize the importance of inclusive menstrual education.

2. Promoting Access to Menstrual Products

One of the key aspects of Her Foundation’s work is ensuring that women and girls have access to safe and affordable menstrual products. On International Women’s Day, individuals and organizations can contribute by donating sanitary products, funding distribution programs, or supporting local initiatives that aim to eliminate period poverty.

3. Advocating for Policy Changes

Governments and institutions play a crucial role in eliminating period poverty. This International Women’s Day, we must urge policymakers to eliminate taxes on menstrual products, implement free distribution programs in schools, and ensure that workplaces provide sanitary facilities for women. The more voices that advocate for menstrual equity, the greater the impact on policy changes that benefit women globally.

4. Empowering Women Through Education and Leadership

Educating women about menstrual health empowers them to take charge of their well-being. Her Foundation’s initiatives encourage young girls to become leaders in menstrual advocacy, teaching them to share knowledge with peers and communities. International Women’s Day can amplify these efforts by highlighting success stories, organizing mentorship programs, and encouraging young women to be active voices for change.

A Future Without Period Poverty

Let’s make a commitment to minimize period poverty through education, advocacy, and action. The work of Her Foundation serves as a reminder that menstrual equity is not just a women’s issue—it is a human rights issue. By ensuring that every girl has the knowledge, resources, and support to manage her period with dignity, we take a significant step toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Let’s unite to break the barriers, challenge the stigma, and make menstruation a topic of empowerment, not shame. Together, we can create a world where no girl is held back by her period.