Raising Awareness on Female Hygiene
Menstrual health should never be a barrier to learning, working, or living – yet for many, it still is. Period poverty, lack of access, and ongoing stigma continue to impact thousands across the UK.
Whether you’re managing a school, university, or workplace, now is the time to ensure your organisation is equipped to support menstrual health – and stay compliant with changing legislation.
Period poverty: A hidden inequality
It’s easy to assume that period products are readily accessible, but the reality tells a different story. Despite progress in awareness, access to essential period care is still not universal.
A 2023 ActionAid poll revealed that in the UK, more than one in five people who menstruate struggle to afford period products, and with the cost of living rising, this number is constantly increasing. In 2021 alone, over 137,000 children missed school due to period poverty (Free Periods, 2022). This isn’t just a wellbeing issue – it’s an equality issue.
And the cost of periods adds up – Huffington Post UK (2015) estimates a lifetime spend of £18,000.
Education First: Empowering the Next Generation
Education plays a powerful role in reducing the stigma around female hygiene and ensuring equal opportunity. A survey by Plan International UK (2021), found that 64% of girls aged 14-21 have missed a part or full day of school because of their period. A lack of hygiene products – and the fear or embarrassment tied to them – can lead to missed learning, low confidence, and long-term educational impacts.
What Schools and Colleges Can Do:
Provide wall-mounted or cubicle-ready dispensers
Ensure a range of product types are available: Pads, tampons, reusable options
Educate staff on supporting menstruating students discreetly and empathetically
What the Law Says – And Why It Matters
Legislation is finally catching up with the need:
Scotland set a global precedent with the Period Products Act 2021, mandating free period products in all schools, universities, and public buildings.
In England and Wales, the Department for Education has funded free products in educational institutions since 2020, with ongoing discussions around wider availability in public spaces.
Educational settings have a duty to ensure that period products are accessible without shame or barriers. This means clear policies, visible access points, and supportive environments
The Inclusive Workplace: Supporting Menstrual Health at Work
Menstrual health doesn’t stop at the school gates. It continues to affect people in the workplace – yet awareness and support are often lacking.
According to CIPD (2023), more than two thirds (69%) of women have a negative experience at work because of their menstruation health.
Symptoms such as fatigue, discomfort, or anxiety can affect concentration and wellbeing – but small steps, such as providing hygiene products in staff washrooms and creating supportive, stigma-free environments, can make a real difference.
Solutions That Make a Difference
At BSG, we offer a wide range of trusted menstrual care products to help your organisation meet everyone’s needs:
Choosing reusable or biodegradable options can save thousands of single-use products from landfill each year.
Why This Matters – At Every Stage of Life
Supporting menstrual health isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. It’s about showing that your organisation cares about its workers.
Take Action Today – Let’s break the cycle, together!
People who menstruate struggle to afford period products
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