Nearly a quarter of Ugandan girls between the ages of 12 and 18 drop out of school when they begin menstruating. School absenteeism among girls rises dramatically to 28% during their menstrual periods, compared to just 7% during the rest of the month. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, menstrual health education, and adequate sanitation facilities, often due to economic constraints. It disproportionately affects girls and women in low-income communities and developing countries.

Many individuals experiencing period poverty are forced to use unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves, or other unhygienic materials, exposing them to health risks, discomfort, and infections. The lack of proper menstrual hygiene management also contributes to missed school and work days, limiting educational achievement and economic opportunities.

Organizations and advocates working to end period poverty focus on providing free or affordable menstrual products, promoting menstrual health education, and breaking the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation. Their goal is to ensure that every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity, confidence, and without barriers to education or opportunity.