Lacking access to menstrual health products isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be life-altering. When someone cannot afford these basic necessities, it often means missing school, work, or community activities. The impact goes far beyond physical discomfort; it affects dignity, self-confidence, and the ability to participate fully in everyday life. Menstruation is natural, yet the stigma and silence around it make these struggles even heavier to carry.

For those experiencing homelessness, the challenges can be heartbreaking. With only one set of clothing, a stained garment can quickly become a source of shame and humiliation. What should be a private, manageable part of life becomes a public marker of struggle. Without access to clean and reliable products, many are left to cope in unsafe or unhealthy ways, further deepening feelings of exclusion and vulnerability.

Young menstruators often face similar battles. Many already come from financially stretched households and hesitate to ask for help with something they feel embarrassed to talk about. Imagine the shock of learning that, in many schools, menstrual products aren’t freely available but must be purchased—adding yet another barrier to education. The result? Missed classes, lost learning opportunities, and unnecessary shame.

Raising awareness about this issue is critical. Menstrual health products are not a luxury; they are a basic need. By talking about it openly, challenging the stigma, and supporting initiatives that provide free and accessible products, we can ensure no one has to choose between their dignity and their education, their health, or their livelihood.