Why does Period Poverty exist when supermarkets sell them so cheap?
From supporting schools with Redboxes, I've heard first hand accounts from girls as to why they need sanpro.
Yr 8 girl, sister in yr 11 doing her exams. Mum a single parent works as a cleaner p/t minimum wage 0 hours contract. Paid weekly. They all got their period within a day of each other. Literally no money for more Sanpro, the yr 8 girl stayed at home so her sister could go to school and mum to work. If mum didn't work, they'd be no food next week, and certainly no sanpro.
Yr 7 girl lives half the week with each parent. Very difficult divorce. Mum doesn't let kids take anything to dad and vice versa. Mum would turn up at school with one change of clothes and take the school uniform. To make a point. Dad had not been buying uniform and she was forcing his hand. There were many arguments about money in front of the girl. Her sanitary towels were counted out but her mum, and she was told her dad HAD to buy them for when she was at his house and to use at school during 'his' days. She was too scared and embarrassed to even ask him.
The 'cervix havers' comment was more from schools, not here on MN! Some schools ask me not to specifically say girls in any talks I give about managing periods. I've always asked to speak with mixed sex groups about the need for a Redbox, it's never too early for boys to begin to understand their male privilege. I then do a girls only practical q&a with the school nurse. I'm a big advocate for reusables, as a mooncup user myself, I don't think its suitable for most younger teen girls and certainly not if there are issues around poverty and chaotic homes/access to washing machines etc. Not everyone has access to a saucepan and hob to boil a mooncup. (Think hostel/hotel/shelter) Cold water sterilisation is easiest but still needs a cup/glass and some Milton.
For those female gender non-confirming children who ID as trans, I actually have a lot of sympathy when it comes to getting a period. It's a biological sign that cannot be ignored or wished away. Period pants are amazing for these kids, giving them time to deal with emotional issues without having to be overly aware of, and deal with, the period itself. Simply carrying pads etc was seen by one kid I spoke to as being triggering and just changing a pad was "too emotional" for them. I hope that in a small way, being able to fund some period pants through the Redbox for them to try, has helped keep them away from the puberty blocker pathway.