#StopPeriodPoverty: An initiative to deal with period poverty

#StopPeriodPoverty: An initiative to deal with period poverty

Period poverty refers to the lack of access to essential period products, such as sanitary pads and tampons, as well as the necessary information and awareness-raising to take on it. It is a form of economic and social inequality that prevents women and girls from managing their periods safely, with dignity and hygiene. In Greece, as in many countries, period poverty affects a significant number of women and girls, and addressing it is not only a matter of providing products but also of informing, raising awareness and de-stigmatizing.

WHEN, in collaboration with It’s Just Period, Deon Policy Institute and LIDL Hellas, is implementing the #StopPeriodPoverty program to address period poverty in Greece, with the aim of ensuring that every woman, girl or person with a period has access to essential products, so that their daily hygiene, education and social participation are not limited. Through this collaboration, we want to offer solutions, information and support to those who need it.

In the framework of the program:

• We will conduct a nationwide survey in collaboration with MRB, to update and deepen the available data on period poverty in Greece. The survey will also record the views of people with periods themselves on the measures that need to be taken to address the problem -including the reduction of VAT on period products in Greece, from 24% to 13%, a move that we have been supporting for several months.
• We will develop a guide for parents, teachers and caregivers, with the aim of helping them to talk more inclusively and without shame to children of all ages about periods and the changes it brings to their bodies and everyday lives.
• We will implement interactive workshops for parents, teachers and anyone interested in opening inclusive and meaningful discussions with children (and not only!) about periods.
• Free pads will be provided at the WHEN Hub for those who need them.

With this collaboration, WHEN, It’s Just Period, Deon Policy Institute and LIDL Hellas want to contribute to removing the economic and social barrier caused by period poverty, so that every woman and girl in Greece has access to essential period products, not feeling ashamed of her body and its functions, and can live with dignity.

→ For more information, contact: info@when.org.gr