Menstrual Poverty An Invisible Problem Of Women

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Abstract

Over the years, there has been a growing interest in issues related to women, an interest that has been fueled by the growing gender equality promoted by various organizations worldwide and the constant struggle of women to achieve equal conditions in all the areas
However, deep culturally rooted inequalities persist, where women and men share an environment in which conditions prevail that have generated notable consequences, such as the “feminization of poverty”, a reality that has been accentuated in Latin America during the pandemic.
Within this context of gender inequality, period poverty emerges, an often overlooked issue that deserves greater attention. It is essential to highlight that menstrual poverty is not only linked to a person's purchasing power, but also to the availability of clean and safe sanitation facilities, as well as access to menstrual education (Rodríguez Leah, 2022).
The article adopts a mixed methodological approach to conduct an analysis of three organizations in the United States: two companies and one non-governmental organization, all committed to addressing period poverty. These entities have developed innovations, some of a simple nature and others more complex, with the purpose of mitigating the social problem. The analysis focuses on examining the differences and similarities from an innovation perspective, as well as exploring various approaches to address this social challenge, considering the five fundamental variables of social innovation.
In a second phase, the results of a survey conducted with 167 women are presented with the aim of understanding their perception during the menstrual period. The survey, promoted by Emakunde, developed by EDE Fundaziona and adapted for the study, shows important conclusions such as that more than 50% of women have felt discriminated against during their period and more than 70% of them have stopped making plans with their family and friends for being on their period.
It is concluded that menstrual poverty is a complex problem that affects the health, gender equality and well-being of women. Addressing the problem requires a comprehensive approach of programs, policies and changes in social perception to ensure that all women can experience menstruation with dignity. The importance of addressing period poverty from various perspectives is highlighted, including public policy, education, public awareness, and collaboration between local organizations and leaders.
Keywords in alphabetical order
Gender equality, Menstruation, Menstrual poverty, education, Women.

References

Igualdad de género, Menstruación, Pobreza menstrual, educación, Mujer.
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Authors

• Eldai Trinidad, Universidad Anahuac

• Johanna Jana, Universidad Anahuac Mexico Campus Norte

• Judith Soledad Yangali Vicente, Universidad Anahuac Mexico Campus Norte