Period Poverty

“Period poverty is when women and girls can’t reliably access safe, affordable period products and the basic facilities to use them, like clean water, private toilets, and a way to dispose of waste, leading to missed school or work, health risks, and loss of dignity.”

Every month, more than two billion people menstruate. According to UN Women, “614 million women and girls are living in conflict-affected areas, and the number of women and girls fleeing conflict, crises and disasters is rising.” Menstrual health is a fundamental human right, yet more than 500 million women and girls worldwide cannot afford or lack access to period products. And when that happens, they resort to using toilet paper, rags, or sponges. This impacts their lives, education, and freedom. Period poverty affects women and girls in both rich and poor countries.

At the Fihri Foundation, we believe nobody should face their period without dignity and safety. This is why we work in critical communities around the world, especially in places affected by conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and poverty.

Our Period Paloozas are meaningful community gatherings where people come together to assemble period pouches filled with period products and heartfelt supportive and loving messages. Each pouch brings supplies for a month along with the reminder that someone cares.

We also empower people to join our mission through peer-to-peer funding campaigns. And we partner with corporate sponsors to expand our reach and increase our impact.