Women’s health is an urgent matter that necessitates collaboration between governments, life science innovators, academic institutions and activists. By investing in women-centric R&D and increasing access to gender disaggregated data collection methods we can close gaps on women’s wellbeing.
AWHS team is exploring various avenues to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene products, raising more awareness for this subject while making menstrual equity and ending period poverty achievable goals.
Reusable Sanitary Pads
Reusable pads are an excellent way for those seeking to reduce their chemical intake while being economical on wallets and more environmentally friendly than disposable options. Reusables don’t require boiling, making them far more hygienic and eco-friendly.
Women who choose cloth sanitary pads can save significant sums of money while eliminating the expense and hassle of purchasing and storing disposable pads – especially important in rural communities where commercial products may not be easily available or affordable.
These pads have been specifically created to be durable and long-lasting, meaning that they can be washed and reused time after time, while their antimicrobial properties prevent the formation of bacteria or fungus growth ensuring they stay clean and hygienic. Plus, there’s only a one-off cost (or free when purchased through Trade for Aid!). They can help break period poverty chains while providing women with greater autonomy to focus on health and education instead.
Abolishing Sales Taxes on Tampons and Other Feminine Hygiene Products
The “tampon tax” makes menstrual hygiene products more expensive and can have devastating repercussions for those most in need. Advocates are lobbying states not to collect this non-essential luxury tax.
Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Iowa and Virginia have already implemented laws to eliminate sales taxes; however, some experts argue that doing so would subject other products to higher sales tax rates because they may no longer be perceived as necessities by society as a whole.
Access to feminine hygiene products is of great importance for women living in poverty, as lacking access can have devastating repercussions for their wellbeing. Congress is currently deliberating over legislation called Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2019, which would provide homeless and incarcerated people free access to menstrual supplies despite similar proposals being defeated earlier in 2018. Unfortunately, however, such proposals died in committee.
Reducing the Risk of Tampon-Sensitized Syndrome (TSS)
We must find effective means of preventing and treating TSS caused by tampon use, including providing women with more accurate and clearer information regarding each type of tampon’s risks.
At Tampax Tampon Products, we illustrate a comprehensive safety evaluation approach for tampon use that ensures safe usage by providing an example of four Tampax products under review. This assessment methodology encompasses raw material biocompatibility testing; vaginal mucosa and microbiome assessments, in vitro tests that simulate menstrual toxic shock syndrome through growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria producing the toxin TSST-1; post marketing surveillance provides further proof of long-term product safety; post marketing surveillance provides further proof of long-term product safety evidence.
Most users who use tampons do not develop TSS, a rare but life-threatening condition caused by strains of bacteria that release poison into the bloodstream. TSS is typically linked with high-absorbent tampon use; however, it can also occur from using barrier contraceptives like diaphragms or menstrual cups as well as wound infections like cuts, scrapes or nasal packing.
Increasing Access to Feminine Hygiene Products
Women and girls consider buying feminine hygiene products an integral component of daily life, yet due to increasing rates of contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), many may unknowingly pay for a product which could pose risks to their health.
Studies show that purchasing menstruation products free from PFASs is often impossible for individuals living below poverty lines who menstruate, often forcing them to choose between purchasing period products and essentials such as food.
UNICEF procures menstrual hygiene materials and related supplies to ensure girls and women have access to what they need to manage their periods hygienically, comfortably and without stigma. At the same time, however, we must work to eliminate “period poverty,” the economic vulnerability that makes period products hard for many people who menstruate to afford – this goal of our Menstrual Equity campaign.
