A general lack of affordable sanitary pads and tampons make the products that are essential to proper menstrual hygiene completely inaccessible to many women around the world. In many countries, women are forced to use rags, tree leaves, old clothes, toilet paper, news papers, or cloths in the place of pads; and in the most poor and rural areas, women use nothing at all.

​

For example, in Kenya, the cheapest package of sanitary pads in costs 55 KSH - approximately $0.56 USD. For a country where the average daily wage of unskilled laborers is about double that, purchasing sanitary pads is an unattainable luxury for most women.

​

Unaffordable products keep many women from properly caring for their bodies, as using other materials makes them more prone to infection or poor hygiene, such as odors. Other materials also make women more prone to leakage, which causes embarrassment. Because of the taboos that surround menstruation in many areas, this issue is hidden from public view and does not make the news. The topic is not discussed in private circles either because the social attitudes surrounding periods make any discussion impossible. 

​

Because of these stigmas, the issue of unaffordable products is difficult to change. Without conversation, local governments are not pressured to make products accessible for all girls and no other action is taken.

​

In Sub-Saharan Africa, some girls even partake in transactional sex to raise money for sanitary pads, which puts them at risk for HIV or an STI.

​

Access to menstrual products is an essential part to proper menstrual hygiene, and the price of these products makes it nearly impossible for many women to access them. Without the correct tools, it is very difficult for women to care for their bodies properly. 

​

Sources: 1, 2, & 3