From Period Poverty to Economic Power
From Period Poverty to Economic Power: Why Menstrual Equity Matters Jess Sato introduces period poverty through the experience of a student lacking menstrual supplies and explains that it is not only a hygiene concern but also an education, public health, gender equity, and economic issue. She notes that an estimated 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and menstrual health education, and that in the U.S. about 16.9 million peopl...
From Period Poverty to Economic Power: Why Menstrual Equity Matters
Jess Sato introduces period poverty through the experience of a student lacking menstrual supplies and explains that it is not only a hygiene concern but also an education, public health, gender equity, and economic issue.
She notes that an estimated 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate menstrual products, sanitation facilities, and menstrual health education, and that in the U.S. about 16.9 million people who menstruate live in poverty and may struggle to afford period products, leading to missed school or work and unhealthy coping strategies.
As part of the global Podcasthon initiative, the episode highlights Days for Girls, which partners with communities in more than 140 countries to expand access to menstrual supplies, increase menstrual health education, and support women-led enterprises that produce reusable menstrual kits locally, reducing cost barriers while creating income and sustainable, stigma-reducing solutions.
00:00 Welcome and Setup
02:27 What Period Poverty Is
04:43 How Big the Problem Is
07:12 Why It Hurts Economies
09:18 From Charity to Agency
09:58 Days for Girls Model
12:44 Personal Involvement
13:54 Empowering Local Women
15:27 Call to Action and Wrap
Important Links
Days for Girls | Days for Girls Instagram
Brookings Period Poverty in the U.S.
Previous Episodes or Blogs
The Power of Days: Keys Learnings on Resilience, Dignity, and Gender Equity
Period Poverty and Menstrual Equity - A Call To Action
If you need additional support and a thought partner to navigate big business and leadership transitions, let's talk. Simply schedule a free session by clicking here.
Connect with Jess:
www.jessicasato.com for all the free resources!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicasatocoach
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jess-sato