Menstrual stigma continues to cast a shadow over young individuals, affecting their lives in profound ways. In high schools across the nation, including Louisiana, this stigma intertwines with a critical issue: period poverty. This concerning reality, characterized by limited access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints, creates significant educational barriers for high school students.

Menstrual stigma perpetuates silence and shame surrounding menstruation, leaving many students feeling embarrassed and isolated during their periods. This cultural taboo often leads to inadequate menstrual education and limited open discussions about the topic. One factor contributing to this problem is the cultural stigma that deems menstruation “dirty” and which has precluded menstruators from breaking the silence surrounding menstrual shame. (Choudhary, 2023) Consequently, misinformation prevails, and young individuals struggle to understand and manage their menstrual health effectively.

For students experiencing period poverty, this stigma compounds their challenges. Unable to afford menstrual products, they may miss school days or compromise their educational engagement. The lack of access to basic necessities hampers their focus, self-confidence, and overall academic performance, pushing them further away from their academic potential.

The intersection of menstrual stigma and period poverty creates a disheartening cycle of inequality. Students enduring this burden face an uphill battle, hindered by societal attitudes and financial constraints. As a result, they are robbed of equal educational opportunities, perpetuating disparities and limiting their future prospects. Students expressed their frustration in a Louisiana News cover story by Renae Skinner on NBC’s affiliated Local News 33, “Why period poverty in Louisiana is more common than you think.” This article highlights the real issues and the educational barriers that students face in concerns of period poverty.

Breaking menstrual stigma is imperative in addressing period poverty's educational barriers. By promoting open discussions about menstruation, implementing comprehensive menstrual education in schools, and providing free menstrual products, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for high school students. Empowering young individuals with knowledge and access to resources will ensure they can focus on their education without the burden of period poverty holding them back.

In conclusion, menstrual stigma and period poverty cast a shadow over high school students, impacting their educational journey. By shedding light on this issue, fostering open conversations, and taking action to provide necessary support, we can break these barriers and pave the way for an empowered, equitable future for all students. Together, we can create a society that embraces menstrual health and ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally, free from the burden of period poverty and its stigma.

References:

Choudhary, A., (2023). “Breaking Period Stigma to End Period Poverty.” Feminism. Women’s Media Center. Retrieved from https://womensmediacenter.com/fbomb/breaking-period-stigma-to-end-period-poverty.

Skinner, R., (2023). “Why period poverty in Louisiana is more common than you think.” BR Proud, NBC affiliate Local News 33. Retrieved from https://www.brproud.com/news/louisiana-news/why-period-poverty-in-louisiana-is-more-common-than-you-think/.