Period Poverty is a serious public health, human rights and socio-economic concern worldwide.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 10 girls misses school due to period poverty. And with a population of approximately 800 million girls and women, Africa is the most affected by period poverty in the world.
Menstrual Health is a topic that goes directly to the heart of our human rights – dignity. It also has an impact on the right to education and health. Millions of adolescent girls, like 13-year-old Faith, miss 20% of her school year. “I was not knowledgeable about how and why it happens, and what to expect. So, naturally, I was scared and confused.” recalled Faith, describing her first period.
Faith’s story is not unusual. Adolescent girls across Africa, lack basic sexual health education and struggle to get menstrual health supplies. It shouldn't be a luxury for adolescent girls to deal with their periods in a sanitary and safe manner; it's a basic expectation, and it shouldn't mean they miss school.
To achieve a world free of period poverty, menstrual health should not be seen as a girls' issue — it is a human rights issue. We will need the effort of both women and men to achieve gender equality NOW. Take the quiz to learn why we must end period poverty and prioritize the health and wellbeing of adolescent girls in Africa.