iStock/Liudmila Chernetska
For many vulnerable Australians, period product insecurity — commonly known as period poverty — means resorting to makeshift solutions like using old clothes or towels, experiencing shame, and missing opportunities at school or work.
All Australian states and territories now have policies to provide free pads and tampons in public schools. Last year, the Victorian Government announced plans to expand this initiative to provide period products through vending machines in selected public spaces. Similarly, the Australian Capital Territory Government said it would make products available in some public health services, courts and child centres.
While these measures are a step forward, a new study by Burnet Institute found more effort was needed to ensure the products reached those who needed them most. This includes engaging existing social services and direct deliveries.
Published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the research highlights that there is no single solution to resolve period product insecurity.
Burnet researcher and first author of the paper Alexandra Head said people facing severe period product insecurity often included people experiencing homelessness or poverty.
“Providing free period products is an opportunity to reduce product insecurity and support gender equality,” she said.
“People who can’t afford period products often have connections with social services like food banks and community centres, so collaborating with these services is an effective way of reaching them.”
The study interviewed people aged 18-45 from priority groups, including individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, people with disability, people of multicultural backgrounds, gender-diverse people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They were asked about their experiences of period product insecurity.
Across all groups interviewed, people emphasised the importance of convenient access, product choice and quality, and balancing privacy with visibility.
“Many people told us they felt uncomfortable accessing products in public places because of the stigma attached to menstruation and poverty, but at the same time they need to know where they can access these products,” Ms Head said.
“We also need initiatives to improve menstrual health education and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation.
“Further research can help refine strategies to get period products to everyone who needs them.”
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health is the official publication of the Public Health Association of Australia.
All articles are open access and can be found here: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/australian-and-new-zealand-journal-of-public-health