Many businesses have made attempts to tackle period poverty in a number of ways. One of them is Lidl Ireland, which was the first major retailer in the world to provide free sanitary products to women.

According to a report released in February by Ireland’s Departme nt of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, as many as 85,000 women and girls in Ireland could be at risk of period poverty, with those experiencing homelessness or addiction being especially vulnerable.

The supermarket chain has announced that it would donate menstrual items to The Simon Communities, a homelessness charity, on a quarterly basis to ensure that people experiencing homelessness, who may not have access to a smartphone, have access to them.

Aoife Clarke, head of communications for Lidl Ireland, said in a statement, “Since learning more about the growing issue of period poverty in Ireland, we’ve passionately felt that as a family retailer it’s in our communities best interest to support young girls and women who are affected by this issue.”  

Starting May 3rd, eligible customers in the Republic of Ireland will receive a coupon for a free box of pads or tampons via the Lidl Plus app.

According to a Plan International survey, nearly half of girls aged 12 to 19 in Ireland have found it difficult to pay for sanitary items.

Women and girls all over the world are affected by period poverty. Anyone who menstruates needs access to sanitary items, clean, sanitary spaces in which to use them, and the freedom to treat menstruation without embarrassment or stigma.

Period poverty has consequences for both individuals and culture as a whole, and it must be addressed. Related to poverty, you may not have access to healthy and hygienic menstrual items, or you may be unable to treat your period in a hygienic manner.

By Isabella Linder