Lioness Steph Houghton calls for end to period poverty
The England Lioness team captain Steph Houghton has backed a new campaign calling for an end to period poverty.
A study among school girls, conducted by Always, found that girls experiencing period poverty are missing out on extracurricular activities – including sports – because they can’t afford period products.
‘It’s really sad to hear that period poverty is not only affecting girls’ education, but it is also stopping them from taking part in the activities that they love,’ says Steph.
‘It was in after-school clubs that I found football and being part of a squad really helped build my confidence, introduced me to a new group of friends and shaped my future.’
The study found that 31% of girls say they have avoided out-of-school activities or sports as a direct result of period poverty, with 21% saying they lack confidence because they don’t take part in such groups or clubs.
One in four girls have found themselves in an embarrassing public situation due to their period with no means of getting the necessary protection, with 27% refusing to leave the home altogether because they can’t afford products.
As well as polling girls, a study of 1,500 adult women was also conducted to understand what impact attending clubs and out-of-school activities has later in life.
It found more than a fifth of women believe they have been held back due to the fact they couldn’t always participate in extra-curricular past-times.
22% believe they now lack teamwork skills because of this and three in 10 believe it affected their ability to socialise.
Always is now partnering with UK Youth, a nationwide network of youth organisations, to try to tackle the problem. For every pack of Always and Tampax purchased in participating retailers, the brands will donate a product to UK Youth or an after school club.
‘A lot of the young women and girls who come through the doors of local community organisations in the UK Youth Movement struggle with confidence,’ says Anna Smee, CEO of UK Youth.
‘When barriers like period poverty are removed, young people can focus on their personal development and education instead of worrying about how to get through each day.
‘We are delighted to be partnering with Always on this initiative to support young women, enabling them to grow in confidence and have an increased sense of wellbeing.’
The study also found that 25% of girls won’t visit the gym or participate in any sports when they’re on their period, and 60% of girls with access to free period products at school have needed to use this supply.
I am Team GB
Toyota has teamed up with Team GB to re-launch the hugely successful participation campaign ‘I am Team GB’.
Inspired by the achievements of Team GB athletes and the amazing efforts of local community heroes, Team GB has created ‘The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day’, which will take place on the 24thAugust.
Over the weekend, there will be hundreds of free and fun activities across the country, put on by an army of volunteers; the ‘I am Team GB Games Makers’.
To Join the Team and be part of The Nation’s Biggest Sports Day sign up at: www.IAmTeamGB.com
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