00:00For 22-year-old Tampa James, buying a box of tampons used to mean skipping meals or being late with
00:06her rent.
00:07I never thought I had to choose between affording food or buying pure products, but that was my reality.
00:13It's what advocates call period poverty, and experiencing it can mean missing school, work, or social events.
00:20According to the Government of Canada, one in six people who menstruate in this country have experienced it.
00:25Those living in rural, Indigenous, or low-income households are at greater risk.
00:30There are organizations working to provide more accessible menstrual supplies, like the Period Purse, a national charity that donates thousands
00:37of menstrual products every month, while also fighting the stigma associated with periods.
00:42Periods don't stop for inflation. Period products are basic necessities.
00:46And unfortunately, what we're seeing right now is more and more people who are having to make difficult choices between
00:52buying pads or tampons, or paying for things like their food or rent, when really these products should be freely
00:59available, like soap or toilet paper.
01:02Beyond distributing supplies, the organization also offers free education programs, creating safe, shame-free spaces to talk about menstruation.
01:10Ending period poverty really means two things. First of all, it means ensuring that people have access to the products
01:16that they need to manage their periods with dignity.
01:19And secondly, it means creating a world where periods aren't something to be ashamed of.
01:24For Tanva James, volunteering is a way to give back, and make sure no one else has to make the
01:29same tough choices she once did.
01:31When I couldn't afford period products, I'll skip classes or cancel plans because I felt embarrassed.
01:39But through the Period Purse, I realized I shouldn't feel ashamed of something that is completely normal.
01:46Through volunteer support and community donations, people like Tanva are finding relief, and hope, one period at a time.
01:53If you'd like to learn more about period poverty or find ways to help, you can visit theperiodpurse.com.
