Addressing period poverty in Lebanon
Above: Women receive menstrual health information and education when receiving menstrual hygiene management kits. Photo: Plan International Lebanon
Above: Women receive menstrual health information and education when receiving menstrual hygiene management kits. Photo: Plan International Lebanon
Period poverty remains a significant issue in Lebanon, exacerbated by the deteriorating economic situation, which has led to a drastic increase in the prices of menstrual hygiene products. This has forced many girls and young women to resort to harmful and unsanitary practices, adversely affecting their health and lives.
“Due to the economic crisis in Lebanon, some girls have had to switch from the high-quality pads they used to use to lower-quality brands, which may cause infections and other health issues,” said 20-year-old Roua.
Above: Women unboxing menstrual hygiene management kits provided through the AHP response. Photo: Plan International Lebanon
During Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) response activities, it was observed that many girls and young women would skip participation when they were on their periods. They could not leave the house because they didn’t have enough sanitary pads, couldn’t purchase medication to relieve pain, or were even using cloth instead of sanitary pads, which restricted their movement.
“Some girls have resorted to using the same pads for longer durations, which can be harmful, as pads should be changed regularly,” added Roua.
In response, and building on the success of the first phase of the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response in Lebanon, known locally as the AMANI project, Plan International Lebanon and its partners distributed 2,600 menstrual hygiene management kits to girls and young women aged 11 to 49 years old. Each kit, designed to last for 12 months, included essential items such as soap, intimate wash, a towel, cotton panties, vinegar, laundry powder, and both reusable and disposable sanitary pads, procured from a local women-led initiative.
The distributions were followed by informative sessions on the correct usage and maintenance of eco-friendly products, aimed at addressing critical menstrual hygiene needs.
“I have never heard of or used a reusable pad before. I received some today and I hope that it will help me manage my period better,” Roua said.
The AHP response in Lebanon, supported by the Australian Government, focused on critical protection issues facing women, girls, men and boys during the country’s economic crisis.