Menstrual insecurity: how to fight it effectively with reusable solutions?
Period poverty affects millions of women and girls around the world. In France, it remains a little-known issue, although its social, economic and health consequences are considerable. This article explores the causes and impacts of period poverty, while proposing sustainable and accessible solutions, such as menstrual panties, swimsuits and reusable sanitary towels.
1. What is period poverty?
Menstrual precarity refers to the difficulty, or even inability, for some women to access sanitary protection adapted to their needs. This situation can result from several factors:
- High cost of disposable protections.
- A lack of awareness of reusable alternatives .
- Cultural or social taboos around menstruation.
- A lack of access to necessary infrastructure, such as clean toilets or water.
In France, nearly 2 million women are affected by menstrual insecurity, according to recent studies. This has repercussions on their health, their education, and even their social integration.
2. Why are menstrual products so expensive?
Disposable menstrual protection, although practical, represents a significant expense:
- A woman uses an average of 12,000 protections in her lifetime.
- The annual cost of tampons and towels can vary between €60 and €120 per person.
For a woman in a precarious situation, this expense becomes an inaccessible luxury, exacerbating social inequalities.
3. What are the impacts of menstrual insecurity on women?
The consequences of menstrual insecurity are multiple:
- School dropout : Many young girls miss school due to lack of suitable protection.
- Stigma and isolation : Taboos surrounding menstruation can cause some women to withdraw from social activities.
- Health risks : Prolonged or inappropriate use of protection (toilet paper, tissues, etc.) can lead to serious infections.
4. Menstrual panties and reusable towels: a solution to menstrual poverty?
Reusable menstrual protection, such as menstrual panties, swimsuits and washable pads, offer a concrete response to period poverty. Here's why:
Affordability
Although their initial cost is higher, these protections are reusable for several years. For example:
- A menstrual panty costs around €30 but replaces up to 300 disposable protections .
- A reusable sanitary towel costs around €10 , the equivalent of two packs of disposable towels.
These alternatives therefore allow significant savings in the long term.
Sustainability and ecological impact
Reusable protections also help reduce menstrual waste, which represents 45 billion protections thrown away each year worldwide .
Ease of maintenance
Reusable panties and pads are easy to care for: a simple rinse in cold water followed by a machine wash is enough.
5. How to raise awareness and take action against menstrual insecurity?
Combating period poverty requires collective efforts:
- Inform and educate : Breaking taboos around menstruation to encourage the use of sustainable solutions.
- Providing access to protection : Organize collections and donations of reusable protection for women in need.
- Promote sustainable solutions : Offer alternatives such as menstrual panties, which are economical and environmentally friendly.
At Adopte Ma Culotte , we are committed to participating in this fight by offering suitable products and supporting solidarity initiatives.
6. What initiatives already exist to reduce period poverty?
In France, several initiatives are emerging to combat menstrual insecurity:
- Free protection in certain schools and universities : A first step for young people in precarious situations.
- Associations and solidarity collections : Many NGOs redistribute sanitary protection to homeless women or women in difficulty.
- Committed companies : Some brands, such as Adopte Ma Culotte , organize campaigns to offer menstrual panties to women in precarious situations.
7. What does Adopte Ma Culotte do to contribute to the fight against period poverty?
At Adopte Ma Culotte , we believe that every woman should be able to experience her period with dignity. That's why we offer:
- Affordable menstrual panties and towels : Economical, durable and suitable for all flows.
- We launch periodic campaigns during which we offer menstrual panties to all women without obligation to purchase or commitment, only delivery is the responsibility of the customer.
8. How can you take action on your scale?
You can also participate in this fight:
- By adopting sustainable protection : Each purchase of menstrual panties contributes to reducing waste and inequalities.
- By supporting local associations : Donate protection or participate in collections.
- Speaking of the subject : Break taboos by informing your loved ones about ecological and economical alternatives.
Together, let's end period poverty
Period poverty is a reality that we must address with accessible, sustainable and inclusive solutions. Menstrual panties, swimsuits and reusable pads represent a major step forward in this fight. At Adopte Ma Culotte , we are committed to offering products that change women's lives, while respecting the planet.