What is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to the inability to access or afford menstrual products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. This issue disproportionately affects women and girls in low-income communities around the world, where the cost of these essential products creates a barrier to basic hygiene and well-being. However, the challenges extend beyond financial constraints. In many regions, a lack of education, limited resources, and poor sanitation infrastructure complicate menstruation management, further exacerbating the impact of period poverty.
The consequences of period poverty are far-reaching. Many women and girls miss school, work, or social events due to discomfort, leaks, and the stigma surrounding menstruation. In some cultures, menstruation is surrounded by deep-rooted taboos and misconceptions, which create a sense of shame and prevent women from speaking out or seeking help.
The Problem: A Global Issue
According to UNICEF, in Nepal, over two-thirds of girls report missing out on daily activities during their period due to shame or a lack of access to proper menstrual products. One in four girls misses school during menstruation, highlighting the significant barriers caused by period poverty. Without access to basic sanitary products, girls and women are missing out on education and opportunities.
Period poverty is particularly dangerous in rural areas and marginalized communities, where menstrual products are unaffordable or inaccessible. In many parts of the world, women and girls are forced to stay away from their families during menstruation. In rural Nepal, India, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, it is not uncommon for menstruating women to be sent to dirty cow sheds, isolated huts, or forced to sleep outdoors in hazardous conditions. These practices stem from the belief that menstruating women are “unclean” and should not be allowed to stay in the same house or participate in family life.
These harmful practices expose women to physical dangers such as snake bites, animal attacks, and poor sanitation, increasing their vulnerability to infections and health complications. According to reports from organizations such as UNICEF, menstruation-related stigma and a lack of proper hygiene facilities limit participation in school, work, and daily activities. In Bangladesh, Chad, and Ivory Coast, many girls are held back from attending school due to the lack of menstrual hygiene products, which in turn affects their education and future prospects.
Sky is The Limit (SiTL) and the Red Amber Project
Sky is The Limit (SiTL) is a non-profit organization based in Nepal, dedicated to empowering the youth and children of the country. SiTL aims to inspire and equip the younger generation of Nepal to dream big and reach their full potential by providing support in key areas such as health, education, and skill development.
The Red Amber Project
The Red Amber Project is built on the belief that strength and courage, symbolized by the stone "Red Amber," can transform lives and communities. Its vision is to create a society where every girl and woman has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
Key Goals of the Red Amber Project:
Combat Period Poverty: By providing cloth pad-making training, SiTL has empowered over 300+ women in Kalikot to create affordable, reusable sanitary pads, offering a sustainable solution to the lack of access to menstrual products.
Sexual & Reproductive Health Education: Over 250 adolescent boys and girls have participated in engaging Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education sessions, covering topics such as puberty, menstrual hygiene, and reproductive health—breaking taboos and creating an open environment for these essential discussions.
Promote Health & Hygiene: By prioritizing menstrual hygiene management, the project empowers individuals in rural areas to overcome health challenges, take control of their well-being, and build a healthier, brighter future.
SiTL’s initiative not only provides practical solutions but also fosters courage, resilience, and awareness, enabling communities to overcome the cultural and logistical barriers that have long hindered women’s health and education. The Red Amber Project is more than just a project—it’s a movement to ensure that every girl and woman in Nepal has the opportunity to live with dignity, confidence, and access to essential health services.
SummerWine: Innovation, Empowerment, and Impact
SummerWine is a woman-owned wearable tech period wear startup dedicated to making periods better, safer, and more empowering for women worldwide, from developing to developed regions. Our current focus is on revolutionizing menstrual care with innovative lingerie prototypes designed to improve comfort and protection during menstruation. We are currently accepting pre-orders and preparing for an exciting Kickstarter campaign launch soon.
We are raising funds to develop fabric blends with an anti-UTI coating (patent pending) that moisturizes and provides comfort to intimate areas during menstruation, helping to reduce the risk of UTIs and related discomfort.
Beyond our product innovation, SummerWine is committed to alleviating period poverty and challenging societal stigmas surrounding menstruation.
Our Commitment to Addressing Period Poverty
At SummerWine, we understand that period poverty is more than just an inconvenience—it is a hindrance to health, education, and opportunity.
We aim to work with local organizations to provide menstrual health education, distribute menstrual products, and improve sanitary conditions. We envision a world where women and girls no longer face the stigma, isolation, and risks that come with period poverty.
How We’re Tackling the Issue
One of our key initiatives is to ensure that when customers purchase SummerWine period products, they can choose to contribute directly to the fight against period poverty. You can opt to donate an additional dollar with every purchase, which will go directly toward supporting menstrual health programs and projects in underprivileged communities.
Our sustainability program is designed to expand over time, enabling us to reach more women who need our help. As our business grows, so too will our ability to provide menstrual health solutions in countries and communities where access to basic hygiene products is limited.
Conclusion
Period poverty is a global issue that affects millions of women and girls. At SummerWine, we are committed to tackling this problem by providing eco-friendly period wear and working to end the stigma and shame that surrounds menstruation.
Through our partnership with local organizations and our collaboration with SiTL for the Red Amber Project, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls affected by period poverty.
Your purchase helps us continue this important work and provides a vital lifeline to those in need.
Together, we can create a world where menstruation is embraced and celebrated as more than a normal part of life, as it should be.
Should you wish to know more about SummerWine's effort with SiTL or about the Red Amber Project, please reach out to geri@summerwine.shop. Please also let us know if you would like to contribute directly and we can help assist in that as well.