Menstrual poverty and the demoralization of female biological individuals: A narrative review (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Menstrual poverty is a recurrent controversy, but little discussed due to the taboo on the subject of menstruation, making menstrual hygiene an advantageous circumstance that does not align with the principles of justice and equity. Recently, the United Nations (UN) recognized the right to menstrual hygiene as a matter of public health and human rights, however, the reality of the facts does not exactly correspond to this perspective, due to the absence of free availability of absorbents by the network of the single health system and the high taxation on these products, the lack of access and the financial burden imposed on the population becomes evident. Additionally, it is important to emphasize the absence of comprehensive educational programs on intimate health in schools, as well as the lack of public policies that address this fundamental requirement. In this context, there is a high prevalence of female biological individuals unable to afford access to pads, facing infrastructural and educational deficiencies related to menstruation. As a result, women are made invisible and their fundamental needs are devalued.