Period Poverty
What is period poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and clean facilities for menstruation, often due to financial hardship.
What is a common consequence of period poverty on young people’s education?
A common consequence is absenteeism, as people may miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual products or appropriate sanitation facilities.
How long does the average menstrual cycle typically last?
28 days.
(Though it can range from 21 to 35 days, 28 is considered the average cycle length.)
At what age do most girls typically start their period?
Around 12 years old.
(However, it can start anywhere between 8 and 16 years of age.)
What is the main goal of the Black Period Project?
To address period poverty in Black communities
(The project specifically seeks to combat period poverty and provide education and access to menstrual products for Black individuals.)
Which country was the first to make menstrual products free for all women and girls in 2020?
Scotland was the first country to make menstrual products free for all women and girls in 2020.
How many people globally are estimated to experience period poverty? (Percentage)
It is estimated that one in four people with periods experience period poverty. (25%)
What is the term for the first menstrual period a person experiences?
Menarche.
(Menarche marks the beginning of menstruation and is a key milestone in puberty.)
What hormone is primarily responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle?
Estrogen.
(Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout the cycle, influencing ovulation and menstruation.)
Which key issue does the Black Period Project emphasize in relation to menstrual health in Black communities?
Period shame and stigma
(The project also aims to reduce stigma and normalize conversations around menstruation, specifically within the Black community.)
Which U.S. state was the first to eliminate the "tampon tax," a sales tax on menstrual products?
New York was the first U.S. state to eliminate the "tampon tax" in 2016.
What are some common solutions used to combat period poverty in various countries?
Common solutions include providing free menstrual products, distributing menstrual cups or reusable pads, and offering education on menstrual health and hygiene.
What percentage of women worldwide experience some form of menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)?
Around 50-90%.
(Severity varies, but many women experience pain during their menstrual cycle, with a large percentage suffering from moderate to severe discomfort.)
What is the medical term for extremely heavy menstrual bleeding?
Menorrhagia.
(Menorrhagia refers to abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, often leading to anemia or other complications.)
Which major factor does the Black Period Project advocate for in terms of public policy surrounding menstrual health?
Providing free menstrual products in schools and public spaces
(The project calls for menstrual products to be made accessible in public spaces like schools, which is crucial to reducing period poverty in underprivileged communities.)
In which year did the UK launch a free period product scheme for students in schools and colleges?
The UK launched the scheme in 2019, providing free period products to students in schools and colleges.
What percentage of girls in low-income countries miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products?
40% Many girls in low-income areas face challenges with access to sanitary products, leading to missed school days, which can impact their education and future opportunities.
Which country was the first to introduce free menstrual products in schools nationwide?
(Scotland made history in 2020 by providing free menstrual products in all schools, colleges, and universities.)
How much blood, on average, does a person lose during a typical menstrual period?
Around 30-40 milliliters (2-3 tablespoons).
(The amount can vary, but the average is typically around 30-40 milliliters.)
Which of the following is a primary focus of the Black Period Project in advocating for menstrual health?
Raising awareness of the intersection between race and menstrual health
(The project highlights how race, particularly Black identity, influences access to menstrual health resources and education.)
What global organization has worked to raise awareness and advocate for menstrual health and hygiene as a human rights issue through its "Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day" campaign?
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
UNFPA has been a key advocate for menstrual health and hygiene, leading initiatives like Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day (May 28) to raise global awareness and drive action for better access to menstrual products and education.
In which U.S. city did the first "period pantry" open, offering free menstrual products to anyone in need?
The first "period pantry" opened in Columbus, Ohio in 2017
Which part of the menstrual cycle is known as the luteal phase?
The phase after ovulation and before the start of menstruation.
(The luteal phase typically lasts about 14 days and is when progesterone levels rise to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy.)
Which compound found in menstrual products like pads and tampons has been a subject of health concerns due to its potential for causing harmful effects on the body?
Dioxins
(Dioxins are toxic chemicals that can form as by-products during the bleaching process of menstrual products like tampons and pads. They have raised health concerns, although the levels in these products are generally low.)
In addition to addressing menstrual product access, the Black Period Project also focuses on
Promoting menstrual equity through art and culture
(The project uses art and cultural initiatives to promote menstrual equity and raise awareness about menstrual justice within Black communities.)