According to the UNFPA all menstruators have the right:

• To access clean material to absorb or collect menstrual blood.

• They must be able to change these materials in safety and

privacy and have a place to dispose of used menstrual supplies

or to wash reusable supplies.

• Menstruating women and girls must also be able to safely and

privately wash with soap and water.

• They should have basic education about the menstrual cycle

and how to manage menstruation without discomfort or fear.

• Women and girls should also have access to health

information and care if they experience menstruation-related

disorders

 In Aotearoa, almost 3 in 5 New Zealanders see period poverty as a big issue impacting our most vulnerable, influenced by products being too expensive

 The inability to access period products due to cost...

41%

of Kiwi menstruators have ever experienced period poverty.

This increases to 60% amongst 15-24s.

65% amongst Māori & Pacific Islanders.

54% of those who are in a financially uncomfortable position

The inability to access period products due to cost means menstruators miss out on school or work which impacts their educational performance and subsequent economic opportunities, not to mention the psychological impact this has - making it challenging to escape a cycle of deprivation and poverty.

 54%

of New Zealanders agree that period education is lacking in schools

Q8_PROMPT_IMP How much do you agree or disagree with the following...?

1 in 5 New Zealand menstruators don’t feel comfortable talking about periods

 For 1 in 5, periods are taboo in their culture...

20%

of menstruators agree that periods are taboo in their culture...

This rises to:

24% amongst Māori & Pacific Islanders

39% amongst Asian & Indians Vs 17% amongst Pākehā

...Whilst for others, periods are holding them back