Les Dames of Cullman makes a big impact in their small town

Words by Ashley Locke

In the small town of Cullman, Alabama, a widespread and often overlooked issue is being tackled by a proactive community group. Period poverty, the struggle many women and girls face in accessing menstrual products, affects an estimated 500 million individuals globally, limiting their ability to manage their menstrual health with dignity and comfort.

Period poverty is more than an inconvenience, posing significant barriers to education, health, and economic opportunities. The World Bank highlights that in some regions, up to 20 percent of girls do not attend school during their menstrual cycle due to lack of access to sanitary products. This absence can accumulate, leading to a higher risk of dropping out, which perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

In Cullman, a local women's group known as Les Dames has decided to combat this issue within their community. Their efforts reflect a growing awareness and action against period poverty that is taking root in various parts of the world. By providing menstrual products to those who need them, Les Dames plays a crucial role in their local response to a global challenge.

However, the scope of period poverty demands a multi-faceted approach. Research indicates that one in five American girls has either left school early or missed school entirely because they did not have access to menstrual products. The impact of these missed educational opportunities is massive, affecting future employment prospects and potential earnings.

Community initiatives such as those by Les Dames are vital, yet they are only part of the solution. Broader systemic changes are necessary to ensure that no girl or woman is disadvantaged by her biology. Some states in the U.S. have begun to legislate against this inequality; for instance, New York and California have passed laws requiring schools to provide free menstrual products to students, recognizing access to these items as a right, not a privilege.

Globally, the fight against period poverty has seen innovative solutions. In India, the government has launched a program to provide sanitary pads at minimal cost to girls and women. NGOs worldwide distribute menstrual cups, which are sustainable and cost-effective over time. These efforts highlight the importance of culturally sensitive and sustainable solutions in addressing period poverty.

Back in Cullman, the work of Les Dames is just beginning. They aim to not only cover the immediate needs but also advocate for policies that ensure long-term solutions. Their project is inspiring other communities to take notice and act.

Period poverty is a public health issue that demands a collective response. By supporting initiatives such as those by Les Dames and by advocating for policy changes, communities can help ensure that menstrual health is not a privilege but a basic right. The ongoing efforts in Cullman are a small yet significant part of a much larger movement toward menstrual equity, reminding us that change often starts at the local level with the courage to address the needs of those who are often overlooked.

STATS

• Nearly 1 in 4 students have struggled to afford period products in the United States.
• 44% of teens report stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access to period products.
• Teens are much more likely to experience stress and discomfort around managing their period at school than at home.
• As of 2021, 59% of teens say they rarely or never find free period products in school bathrooms.
• 25% of teens are unable to do schoolwork because of a lack of access to products.

Statistics from period.org