Quarter of women have experienced period poverty

MORE than one-quarter of females have missed either work or school because of period poverty, a new survey has revealed.

While it had been previously thought the problem had affected one in 10 women, new research revealed that 27 per cent of females said they have at times been unable to afford sanitary products.

More than half of the UK population (51%) knows someone who has suffered from the problem, or has themselves, the research indicated.

And more than two-thirds of women (68%) having been forced to use makeshift menstrual protection at some point.

The survey, carried out for a project set up to combat period poverty, also found the problem had caused 26% of girls and women to miss either school or work.

A total of 931 people across England, Scotland and Wales were questioned for the research, which was carried out by Ginger Comms together with campaigners at the Bloody Big Brunch.

It organises brunch events across the country, where participants pay not with money but by donating sanitary products.

Its largest campaign day to date is due to take place on Sunday, March 3, with singer and TV presenter Stacey Solomon among those who will be hosting a brunch event across the UK.

She said: “I am so excited that the Bloody Big Brunch has gone national.

“It’s a hugely important issue and this is an easy way for people to get involved.

“The seemingly small step of hosting a brunch has the power to make a big difference and I’m looking forward to playing my part.”

In January, the Scottish Government announced it was making availabale £4 million for local councils to provide free sanitary items in public buildings, following a trial scheme where these were provided in schools, colleges and universities.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has announced £1 million of funding to tackle period poverty, resulting in campaigners claiming England is being “left behind”.

Lee Beattie, of the Bloody Big Brunch event next month, said: “As a society we need to send out the message that menstruation isn’t dirty and it certainly isn’t a luxury.

“By using fun to highlight fundamental rights, we’re hoping we can mobilise Westminster, who have been negligent on the issue of periods for far too long.”