In a startling revelation, a recent study conducted by the Denver-based nonprofit Justice Necessary has exposed the profound impact of period poverty on educational attendance among teenage girls in Colorado. According to the study, an overwhelming 80% of female teens in the state have missed class due to the lack of access to menstrual products. This issue not only affects their education but also their ability to participate in extracurricular activities, with 66% of respondents missing other school-related opportunities.

Period poverty — a lack of access to sanitary products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and education — is a significant yet often overlooked problem that affects millions worldwide. In Colorado, the statistics brought forward by Justice Necessary highlight a severe barrier to education and social participation that could have long-lasting effects on a young person’s life and prospects.

The findings also revealed that 90% of these teens have started their periods unexpectedly in public, without the necessary supplies, emphasizing the need for availability and accessibility of period products in schools and public spaces. Many of the students surveyed suggested solutions like installing dispensers in school restrooms and providing free products in community spaces like libraries and stores, indicating a potential path forward that could alleviate some of the challenges they face.

Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Justice Necessary has been actively working to mitigate period poverty across Colorado. Founded in 2020 by Diane Cushman Neal, the organization is not only focused on distributing essential hygiene products but also on fostering community engagement, education, and legislative support to ensure sustainable change.

In response to their findings, Justice Necessary has organized community period packing parties, aimed at providing over 300,000 period products to students throughout the summer months. These events are a part of a larger movement to normalize the availability of menstrual products and equate them to other hygiene necessities like toilet paper, which are provided for free and are readily accessible in most public restrooms.

Moreover, Justice Necessary is pushing for legislative changes through the “Free Menstrual Products to Students” bill scheduled for the 2024 legislative session. If passed, this law could significantly alleviate the burden of period poverty on Colorado’s middle and high school students, ensuring that no student has to miss school because they don’t have access to basic sanitary products.

This issue is not unique to Colorado; countries worldwide have been grappling with period poverty and its implications on gender equality and education. Recognizing menstrual hygiene as a basic right, several nations have adopted policies aimed at providing free sanitary products to students and low-income families.

The work being done by organizations like Justice Necessary underscores the importance of community and legislative action in addressing period poverty. As public awareness grows and more data becomes available highlighting the scope of this issue, it becomes increasingly imperative for more concerted efforts and systemic changes to ensure that all students can attend school without the barrier of inadequate menstrual hygiene support.