By Jennifer Gaines, Manager of National Engagement for Alliance for Period Supplies
Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us to recognize, honor and celebrate the positive influence and substantial contributions to our nation from the many cultures and traditions of Hispanic Americans whose roots trace back to Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean. From learning about our rich history, indulging in the incredible cuisine, dancing to the vibrant music and learning the Spanish language, there is much to celebrate!
As there is much to celebrate of this incredible heritage, it is also essential to use this time to amplify a growing public issue, period poverty, and to shed light on this often-overlooked issue within the Hispanic community. As a daughter of two Puerto Rican parents, first generation U.S. residents, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it was at times to make ends meet and for my parents to struggle to afford the things we needed to support our family. It’s not easy being thrusted into a new country at a young age, and being forced to acclimate yourself to a new environment that speaks a different language, trying your best to keep up at school and follow unfamiliar customs. And the reality is, the Hispanic community has been historically underserved and underrepresented in positions of power within a society that is not systematically built for their success. My motivation has always been to do good, break social norms, and work for my community. I work to raise the visibility and amplify the power of our people by following the sense of “la familia.”
Culture Stigma and Barriers
Hispanic culture places immense value on respect, modesty, and discretion. Unfortunately, this cultural taboo surrounding menstruation often contributes to the silence and shame surrounding periods. Many girls and women within the Hispanic community feel uncomfortable discussing their menstrual needs openly, leading to limited access to adequate sanitary products, particularly for those who are experiencing period poverty. Period poverty, defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, affects millions of Hispanic girls and women worldwide. While Hispanics make up for the largest ethnic minority in our country, with over 60 million living in the United States today, the fact is, we experience period poverty at disproportionately higher rates than our non-Hispanic white counterparts, according to a study conducted by U by Kotex in 2021. By highlighting the detrimental impact of period poverty on the Hispanic community during this month and throughout the years, we can initiate and amplify a culture of openness, break down barriers, and empower individuals to advocate for their menstrual health and equity for all.
Intersectionality and Disadvantaged Communities
Research by the National Women’s Law Center reports that Hispanic women in full-time jobs make just 57 cents for every dollar white, non-Hispanic men earn. Such socioeconomic disparities compound the effect of period poverty among Hispanic women. As a public health issue, period poverty disproportionately affects individuals and families facing financial constraints including immigrant communities, low-income households, and marginalized groups who often lack the resources necessary to manage their menstrual health effectively. Raising awareness within the Hispanic community helps shed light on the economic burdens associated with menstruation, such as the cost of menstrual products and the impact on household budgets. By highlighting these intersectional realities, we can encourage discussions about affordable solutions and spur actions to alleviate financial strain and moreover, open doors for collaborative efforts among organizations and community leaders to combat period poverty collectively.
Health Disparities
Hispanic women and girls who are low-income wage earners or live at or below the federal poverty line, not only face economic hardship, but they also struggle to access quality health care. Menstrual health plays a vital role in overall health and well-being. Limited access to menstrual products and proper hygiene education can lead to adverse health outcomes, including infections and other complications. Those who struggle with period poverty report:
- using substitute materials like paper towels or toilet paper, stretching product use beyond what is recommended for good health,
- feelings of embarrassment, shame and depression, and
- missing days from school, work and other important events, among others
In addition, language barriers play a huge role in accessing accurate information and resources. By specifically engaging with the Hispanic community to promote awareness campaigns in our primary language, we can overcome language barriers and ensure that everyone has access to essential information about period poverty, menstrual hygiene, and available resources.
Raising awareness about period poverty within the Hispanic community helps bridge the gap in health disparities and ensures that individuals have access to the resources needed to maintain their menstrual health.
Advocacy and Education
Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a platform to advocate for equitable access to menstrual products and healthcare, offering a space for Hispanic individuals and organizations, like Alliance for Period Supplies, to raise awareness about period poverty within our communities. By initiating dialogues, organizing educational workshops, and sharing resources, we can call attention to the urgent need for improved policies and increased support systems to address this issue effectively. When we amplify the issue of period poverty during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond, we embrace our heritage and demonstrate our commitment to uplifting all members of our community.
Addressing period poverty is not just about access to menstrual products; it is also about fostering equity and social justice. By raising awareness within the Hispanic community, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or cultural factors, can manage their menstrual health with dignity, without being hindered by the financial or cultural barriers often associated with periods. Bringing attention to period poverty can encourage mobilization in community organizations, leaders, and influencers to join forces and take actionable steps towards eliminating the systemic inequities that perpetuate period poverty, potentially leading to policy changes and improved access to menstrual products and education.
Take action!
Break the stigma. Having open educational conversations about menstruation can help destigmatize it and promote understanding and acceptance. Help spread the word by also advocating online. Post your support for the Alliance for Period Supplies on social media platforms using the hashtag #EndPeriodPoverty.
Host a period product drive. A period supply drive is a great way to gather much needed period supplies and spread awareness of period poverty. Get your community involved, your school, business, civic group, neighborhood, or faith-based organization. Check out our Period Supply Drive Toolkit to learn more about hosting your own drive.
Volunteer. Your local period supply programs need more than period products. They need volunteers to invest time, skills, experience, education, and people power. Find your local period supply program and reach out to them to learn how you can get involved.
Donate. By donating financially, you can help ensure that individuals in need have access to essential period products required to fully participate in daily life.
Alliance for Period Supplies is committed to advancing access to period products to the millions of Hispanic women and girls in our country. By raising awareness about period poverty within the Hispanic community, we can foster a more inclusive and informed approach to menstruation, address specific cultural and economic challenges, promote gender equity, and ultimately strive towards making menstrual health a universal right for all individuals.
Let us unite during this month, celebrate our heritage, and work together to ensure that every girl and woman, regardless of their background, has access to the menstrual products and healthcare they need to thrive. Together, we can make a difference and create a more equitable future for all.
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