Periods Should Never Hold Girls Back
May 28 is Menstrual Hygiene Day — a global day to raise awareness about menstrual health, period poverty, and access to safe menstrual care.
The date represents the average 28-day menstrual cycle and 5 days of menstruation.
But Menstrual Hygiene Day is about more than numbers.
It is a reminder that millions of girls and women around the world still struggle to manage their periods safely, confidently, and with dignity.
At GFoundation, we believe periods should never prevent someone from going to school, participating in daily life, or feeling confident in their community.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we are helping raise awareness about period poverty and expanding menstrual health support for girls and women in vulnerable communities.
What Is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene resources, education, and safe facilities needed to manage periods properly.
For many girls and women, menstrual products are not always affordable or accessible.
Some are forced to use temporary or unsafe alternatives because they cannot consistently access sanitary pads or hygiene supplies.
Others face barriers such as ‘Period Poverty’ and ‘Social Taboo.’
- Supplies
Rising costs force many to use toilet paper or old rags instead of pads.
The 1 in 4 Choice: Even in the U.S., 1 in 4 students struggle to afford period products.
- Education
The fear of the unknown due to a lack of education on menstrual health.
In parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, up to 31% of girls miss school during their periods, leading to educational inequality.
- Facilities
A critical lack of safe and clean restrooms in schools and shelters.
Globally, 1 in 3 schools lack basic hygiene bins for menstrual waste.
- Stigma
The social prejudice that treats periods as something “shameful” or “to be hidden.”
500,000,000: The number of women and girls worldwide who lack the facilities and supplies to manage their periods safely.
How Period Poverty Affects Girls and Women
Menstrual health is closely connected to education, confidence, health, and daily wellbeing.
Without proper menstrual health support, periods can become a barrier to everyday life.
Missing School and Daily Activities
Some students miss school during their periods because they do not have access to menstrual products or safe places to manage their periods comfortably.
Even missing a few days each month can affect learning, participation, and confidence over time.
Stress and Emotional Burden
Periods are still surrounded by shame or silence in many communities.
This stigma can prevent girls from asking questions, seeking support, or receiving accurate menstrual health education.
No girl should feel embarrassed or isolated because of a natural part of life.
Lack of Safe Hygiene Facilities
Many schools, shelters, and community spaces still lack clean and private restrooms, disposal bins, or hygiene resources necessary for menstrual care.
For women and girls already facing unstable living conditions, these challenges can create additional stress and insecurity.
How GFoundation Supports Menstrual Health
At GFoundation, we believe menstrual health support should be practical, compassionate, and community-centered.
Through our menstrual health initiatives, we provide hygiene kits filled with essential menstrual and personal care items for women and girls experiencing financial hardship or unstable living conditions.
These kits are designed to help support:
- Health and hygiene
- Confidence and comfort
- School attendance and daily participation
- Dignity during difficult situations
Each kit is carefully assembled with care and intention to help meet both physical and emotional needs.
Supporting Women and Girls in New York City
Our current menstrual health support efforts begin through partnership with Siena House in the Bronx.
As the program grows, GFoundation hopes to expand menstrual health support across more communities throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
By working with local partners and community organizations, we hope to reach more girls and women experiencing period poverty with essential menstrual products and hygiene resources.
Join us in our movement for every woman.
When we act together, we can reach them all.
| Donate to Support Girls’ Menstrual Health
- Become a Monthly Donor – Help provide ongoing access to menstrual products so girls can stay healthy, confident, and focused on school and daily life.
- Make a One-Time Gift – Support the distribution of menstrual care kits for girls and women experiencing period poverty.
- Give In-Kind Donation – Donate sanitary pads, menstrual products, or hygiene supplies to support girls and women in need. [link]
Why Gfoundation?
Verified Charity
GFoundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
Strong Accountability
All of GFoundation’s programs are managed by professional social workers to ensure responsible care and support.
Financial Transparency
GFoundation shares annual reports, IRS Form 990, performance reviews, and financial summaries with our donors.
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