Glossary

Period Poverty
Lack of or uncertain access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints

Menstruation / Menstrual Period
The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus, when pregnancy does not occur

Menstrual Hygiene
Maintaining health and cleanliness of the body during a menstrual period. Appropriate products used (including sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups)

Menstrual Equity
Fair and complete access to menstrual hygiene products for all individuals who need them

Hygiene Desert
Lack of affordable hygiene products among a community’s retailers, the unintentional result of product drives and the reason premier charitable organizations operate through monetary donations rather than product donations

Data-Driven Systemic Change
Efforts to reverse the growing prevalence of Period Poverty, informed by current and unbiased research

Social Policy
Principles that guide a society in managing social welfare, equality, and justice, shaped by cultural values, political ideologies, and economic conditions