LETTER | End period poverty in Malaysia

LETTER | Selangor is set to become the first state to offer free sanitary pads in the fight against period poverty. This is fantastic news because rising living costs have a significant impact on the price of period products. Period poverty is real even though some are denying it.

As we know, Scotland is the first country to provide free period products including tampons and sanitary pads at a national level. This allows women to not have to worry about affording such necessities that may affect their mental health.

According to the World Bank, an estimated 500 million women and girls worldwide lack sufficient basic facilities for menstrual hygiene in 2018. Other countries such as New Zealand and South Africa are providing free period products to students in schools.

Malaysia seems to be behind the trend, but Selangor made a timely move in implementing this programme, which other states can emulate.

According to international studies, women who have experienced period poverty are often more likely to struggle with depression and anxiety later in life, as well as have unsatisfying romantic relationships.

They use toilet paper, newspapers, and even rags to handle their menstruation since they cannot afford to purchase sanitary pads. Giving away free tampons and sanitary pads would also aid in the fight against menstrual taboos among women and young girls.

According to research, approximately 18 percent of women reported excessive menstrual loss, having to use two pads at a time to prevent blood from soaking through, or they were diagnosed as anaemic due to heavy menstrual flow by a doctor.

How are they going to afford double pads multiple times per day for a week when period products are already so costly?

Household income must rise more rapidly compared to the living costs, or else, households will struggle financially and be unable to purchase basic necessities. Workers are struggling to make ends meet with their low-wage jobs while the companies they work for record increased sales. This is particularly true for B40 workers who are often underpaid.

Free period pads would simply make life easier for women and female students in managing their menstrual cycles. It is hoped that not having to worry about pads will also alleviate period anxiety such as potential staining or where to buy the next pad.

Additionally, women could also be more hygienic and can avoid diseases such as urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, and reproductive tract infections.

In conclusion, sanitary pads are necessities that should be provided for free or at a low cost, unlike cigarettes which should be expensive due to their harmful effects on health.

Other states should consider following Selangor’s lead in providing free sanitary pads to women in need, especially those in the B40 group.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.