Period poverty is worst in Brighton and Hove - as nearly half can't afford sanitary items
dailystar.co.ukPeriod poverty is at its worst in Brighton and Hove – where a staggering 46% of women and girls say there are times they are unable to afford basic sanitary protection.The study of 2,000 females, who menstruate, revealed the 10 cities in the UK which are hardest hit by this widespread issue – including Oxford (40%) and Birmingham (34%).And those in Cambridge and York (32% respectively) also admit there are some months when they struggle.Overall, a quarter of the female population admit their menstruation is a challenging time, because they now find it more difficult to afford period products compared to 12 months ago.Of these, 90% say the rising cost in living is already taking its toll, while a fifth now provide for another family member in addition to themselves.One in ten women admitted they had found it harder getting work during the pandemic, and an unfortunate 7% lost their job.The study was commissioned by global hygiene and health company Essity, which has supported charity In Kind Direct for 20 years.Essity has created an educational video with advice for those affected by period poverty.A spokesman said: “This is a really tough time for many, and we recognise our responsibility to try and help where we can to address the hardships so many are facing.“As a result, we have just extended our commitment to donate 100,000 period products per month until the end of 2023 at least.“Sanitary protection is a basic human requirement, and through charities like In Kind Direct there are ways women and girls can access the products they need.“We just need to raise awareness of where to go, and how to get these items, without feeling any sense of embarrassment or shame.”To cope at their time of the month, those who can’t.
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