People in the West Midlands using newspaper instead of "unaffordable" period products
A shocking 48% of women in the West Midlands cannot afford period products, according to new focaldata research
New research reveals period poverty is in crisis across the West Midlands with 48% of people who menstruate unable to afford period products, figures reveal.
61% of women say they find themselves without access and are forced to use a substitute item, such as toilet paper, kitchen roll, or in some cases, old underwear or newspaper.
Hey Girls is a charity fighting for menstrual equity, providing period products to people who need them most, delivering menstrual health education, and advocating for policy changes for menstrual equity.
Hey Girls distribute free period products across the UK, with multiple distribution centres across the West Midlands.
Co Founder and Director of Hey Girls, Kate Smith says: "Period poverty is about lack of access to period products. It's having to make those difficult choices, whether to purchase period products or purchase food to fill your belly and your children's bellies.
"We know that now more than ever that period poverty effects many people. In 2018 it effected one in 10 people but since then we have been through a pandemic and we continue to go through a cost of living crisis and now the statistics are worse.
"Now more than ever, people are relying on food banks that we support to access period products and unfortunately some are either going without or making do with alternative products that aren't suitable to manage your period."
Kate Smith says period poverty comes with a lot of shame for women who menstruate, she's been telling us how Hey Girls are tackling the stigma.
Kate says: "The best way to tackle period poverty is by the having the conversation. It's about talking about it in your workplace, talking about it in schools. It's also about getting access to products. The dream is that period products will be everywhere that toilet paper is and having them be accessible to all when needed.
"We want to break down the taboo that surrounds period poverty and periods in general, yet there are many hurdles in the way. Funding is tricky alongside raising awareness about what period poverty is and all the kind of nuances of menstruation.
"We are constantly flying the flag for this, you know, breaking down the taboos, starting the conversations. Opening up those spaces for people to feel included, safe and respected. It's a long journey, but I think that's the best way to do it."
You can donate period products to Hey Girls via their website where you can also find free information on menstruation.