We are a group of five university students creating a campaign called ‘Girls empowered’, trying to raise more awareness on period poverty and advocating free services. 

Period Poverty is the inability to purchase or obtain menstruation products, sanitary facilities, proper waste disposal, and timely information on menstrual health affecting women and girls. Every individual who is menstruating needs access to sanitary areas and the freedom to control their period without shame or stigma therefore we are fighting for free sanitary products to be easily accessible and readily available in England and Wales. 

Financial hardships are the root cause of period poverty, as 1 in 7 people have had difficulty affording menstruation products. Due to period poverty, 137,700 children in the UK skip school each year, resulting in a lack of education. Public health concerns are raised by period poverty since poor cleanliness can lead to infections and discomfort. Relocation, poverty, gender inequality, and cultural taboos keep people from speaking up or asking for help. 

Free sanitary products would serve as an essential resource for all women in everyday life. By having access to this, it allows no shame but safe areas of comfort. 
About half of the population has menstruation at some point in their lives; it is a normal biological process and shouldn’t be viewed as an additional financial burden or a source of embarrassment because of access issues.

Menstrual hygiene is a right not a privilege!

Sign this petition today to urge our government to implement free distributions of sanitary products across England and Wales. 
Together we can build a culture in which every women and girl has the opportunity to succeed, despite menstruation.

To show further support please fill in our campaign on Instagram! @_girlsempowered