Menstruation is a natural biological process; yet, for millions of women and girls in Sri Lanka, it remains a barrier to education, health, and dignity. While societal awareness of gender equality and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) has made strides in recent years, menstrual health remains a critical issue that demands urgent attention. In particular, period poverty – the inability to afford menstrual hygiene products – continues to impact the lives of many, especially in rural and underserved areas.

The Sri Lankan Government has taken a step in the right direction with its Budget 2025 allocation of Rs. 1,440 million to provide sanitary napkins to schoolgirls. While this initiative is commendable, it is far from a comprehensive solution to the problem. To truly address period poverty, a more holistic approach is needed, one that involves policy reforms, education, improved access to menstrual products, and better sanitation facilities.

The root of the issue

Period poverty in Sri Lanka is not only about the inability to afford sanitary products; it’s also about the broader gaps in policies and systems that fail to support menstrual health. A key issue lies in education – or the lack thereof. Menstruation is still not comprehensively addressed in school curricula, leaving many young girls unprepared for the onset of menstruation. In 2021, a UNICEF study found that only 30% of schools in Sri Lanka provide formal education on menstruation, and in rural areas, this number is significantly lower. Without proper knowledge, young girls are left feeling isolated, embarrassed, and anxious when they first start menstruating.

Moreover, many teachers in rural schools are not equipped to handle the topic sensitively. A 2020 report from the International Labour Organisation revealed that over 50% of teachers in rural areas feel unprepared to discuss menstruation with their students. This lack of training perpetuates misinformation, fear, and stigma surrounding menstruation, which only exacerbates the problem.

High costs and cultural taboos

Access to menstrual hygiene products is another significant hurdle. In Sri Lanka, sanitary products are subject to a 15% tax due to high import duties, making them prohibitively expensive for low-income families. For rural households, where nearly 45% of families live below the poverty line, the average cost of menstrual products can take up to 10% of a family’s monthly income. This financial strain forces many girls and women to rely on unhygienic alternatives like cloth rags, which can lead to health complications.

Adding to this is the deep-rooted stigma surrounding menstruation. Cultural taboos in many rural communities make it difficult for women and girls to openly discuss their menstrual health needs, limiting their access to proper products. According to a 2021 study by the Sri Lanka Women’s Development Fund, 40% of women and girls in rural areas report feeling uncomfortable or ashamed to talk about menstruation with their families or peers. This taboo not only isolates menstruating individuals but also contributes to the perpetuation of unhealthy practices.

The strain on education

A direct consequence of these gaps in menstrual hygiene is the negative impact on education. Many girls, especially in rural areas, miss school during their menstrual periods because schools lack private, hygienic sanitation facilities. According to the Ministry of Education, 30% of schools do not have adequate facilities for menstruating students. In rural schools, this figure rises to 50%. The absence of proper toilets and waste disposal systems means that many girls skip classes, leading to an increase in absenteeism during their menstrual cycle – a pattern that has been found to contribute to a 20% rise in school absenteeism in certain areas of Sri Lanka.

The lack of appropriate infrastructure also affects public spaces, with only 35% of public facilities across the country being equipped with menstrual hygiene-friendly sanitation. In rural areas, this problem is even more pronounced, limiting public access to clean and safe sanitation during menstruation.

Healthcare support and mental health

The lack of adequate healthcare services to address menstrual health is another gap in Sri Lanka’s policies. Only 25% of healthcare providers are trained to manage menstrual health issues, including conditions like endometriosis and severe period pain. This gap in healthcare provision means that many women and girls suffer in silence, without the necessary medical support or advice.

Beyond physical health, the mental health impact of menstruation-related stigma is profound. In rural areas, 60% of girls report feeling anxious, embarrassed, or ashamed due to societal attitudes towards menstruation. These feelings can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, further compounding the challenges faced by menstruating individuals.

A call for policy change

Despite some progress, the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts to address menstrual health remain fragmented and insufficient. Allocating funds for the provision of sanitary napkins is a start, but it is not enough. A more comprehensive strategy is needed – one that addresses not only the availability of products but also education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

First and foremost, the Government should integrate menstrual health into national reproductive health and gender equality policies. This could include removing or reducing taxes on menstrual products to make them more affordable for low-income families. Additionally, it is vital that menstrual hygiene education becomes a mandatory part of the school curriculum, starting from grade 6, with proper teacher training to ensure that educators are equipped to handle the topic effectively and sensitively.

Moreover, a push towards better sanitation facilities in schools and public spaces is critical. By ensuring that at least 75% of schools are equipped with menstrual hygiene-friendly toilets and facilities by 2027, the Government can help reduce absenteeism and support girls in managing their periods with dignity.

Lastly, increasing government funding for menstrual health initiatives is essential. Currently, less than 0.5% of the national education budget is allocated to menstrual hygiene programmes, and this needs to be significantly increased. Sustainable solutions must be implemented that are driven by local resources and not reliant on external donations.

The path forward

The challenge of period poverty in Sri Lanka is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response. Government action alone is not enough – civil society organisations, community groups, and the private sector must also play an active role in advocating for menstrual justice.

By bridging the gaps in education, access to products, healthcare, and sanitation, Sri Lanka can begin to address the root causes of period poverty and create a more inclusive society. The road ahead is long, but with concerted effort, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a future where menstruation is no longer a source of shame, stigma, or hardship, but a natural process that is managed with dignity, respect, and equality for all.

In the fight against period poverty, the time to act is now. Menstrual justice is not just a matter of health – it is a fundamental human right that demands immediate attention.

(The writer is an ambassador for the #BleedGood Movement, a Selyn Foundation initiative tackling period poverty in Sri Lanka. By providing free reusable sanitary pads and menstrual health education, the movement empowers women and girls with the resources and knowledge they need)

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication