Imagine for a moment: a woman spends on average €8,000 on menstrual products over the course of her life. Yes, you read that right, €8,000! That’s a significant cost that weighs heavily on the budgets of many women.
The reimbursement of menstrual products is therefore a matter of utmost importance, both for gender equality and for public health. Period poverty is an issue that deserves our full attention. In France, measures have been put in place to help young women and women who have financial difficulties accessing menstrual products. Here’s what you need to know. 👇🏻
Why does the reimbursement of menstrual products concern us all?
The cost of menstrual products adds up over the years. With an average of €5 to €15 per month, a woman can spend up to €150 per year on these essential hygiene products. Over a lifetime, this represents a considerable amount, close to €8,000.
For many, especially for students and young women with low incomes, this cost is a real burden. Every month, for those with the smallest budgets, the same question arises: buy menstrual products or meet other essential needs like food or housing. And the biggest problem is that periods, the concerns and expenses that come with them, return every month.
You might say this only concerns women, but this situation worsens existing inequalities and pushes many women into period poverty.
Period poverty is the inability to access menstrual products in sufficient quantity and good qualityWhatever it takes to deal with .
her period, a woman needs protection. When she can’t get it, she improvises. No one can fully focus on a class while also worrying about the reliability of a makeshift menstrual solution. Nor sleep soundly while fearing a leak that could ruin her sheets. Nor even go to work with peace of mind.Ultimately,
period poverty has dramatic consequences:repeated school absences
- absence from work
- social isolation
- infections due to unsuitable products
- etc
- In short, the
reimbursement of menstrual products is a matter of dignity and public health.Reimbursement initiatives around the world
Across the world,
several countries have taken steps to make menstrual products more accessible, showing the importance of this issue globally.Scotland
- : Scotland was the first country to offer free menstrual products to all women. A pioneering initiative that brought attention to the issue of period poverty and paved the way for other countries.New Zealand
- : In New Zealand, free menstrual products are provided in schools. A measure to ensure that young girls don’t miss school because of their periodsThe results of these .
reimbursement or free menstrual product initiatives are very positive:better school attendance
- reduction in infections
- improved overall well-being
- Yet, very few countries have taken the step, and in some developing countries,
period poverty is even more severe.These international initiatives show that
the reimbursement and free provision of menstrual products have beneficial effects on society as a whole. Inspired by these examples, France has implemented measures aimed at better addressing period povertyHow to fight period poverty in France.
Period poverty
affects many women . In France, nearly 4 million women were affected by period poverty in 2023 (source). At the beginning of 2021, a survey published by FAGE, ANESF, and AFEP revealed that 33% of female students needed help to obtain menstrual products sourceNot being able to buy (menstrual products).
can have serious consequences on health, mental well-being, education, workand daily life , as we saw earlier. To tackle this problem, the French government has introduced several measures:VAT reduction on
-
disposable menstrual products to 5.5%.As a reminder, consumer products have a VAT of 20%, unlike essential goods which have a VAT of 5.5%.100% reimbursement
on - reusable menstrual products for those under 26 benefiting from Complementary Health Solidarity (C2S) in pharmacies.60% reimbursement on
- reusable menstrual products in pharmacies for those under 26 not covered by C2S.Over 30 million products distributed for free in 2023 through
- social and solidarity grocery stores, student grocery stores and shelters. This action alone represents €5.4 million in 2024. (sourceThese measures help reduce the cost of menstrual products)
and support those who need them most, regardless of age. But these are not the only actions in place. In addition to government aid, associations help fight period povertyAssociations like Règles Élémentaires.
actively campaign for free access or reimbursement of menstrual products. Their work is essential to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about this cause. Moreover, since 2017, the State has helped fund this association to allow them a greater scope of action.Thus, government measures and association initiatives are fighting period poverty in France
. But what about the types of reimbursed menstrual products ? Are they all reimbursed?The benefits of widespread reimbursement of menstrual productsThe
reimbursement of menstrual products
in France offers many benefits to women, for a more equal society:1. Gender equalityThe
reimbursement of menstrual products
would help reduce gender inequalities. Women should not be financially penalized for a natural biological function. Just as some brands of condoms have been reimbursed in pharmacies
since 2018, it is now imperative to implement reimbursement measures for menstrual products2. Public healthBetter.
access to menstrual products
reduces the risk of infections and other complications. Moreover, with these measures, the State places great importance on the quality and non-toxicity of menstrual products
. This has a direct impact on public health in general.3. Well-being and inclusionA
widespread reimbursement
would improve the well-being of women and promote greater social inclusion (school, work, sports, family). It’s a matter of dignity and social justice.The reimbursement of menstrual products
is a much bigger issue than just period poverty. It is a societal issue that we must all take up for a fairer and more equal world.What types of menstrual products are reimbursed?In France, different
types of menstrual products are reimbursed
only in pharmacies or provided for free in association-run locations.Disposable menstrual productsDisposable
menstrual products
, such as tampons and disposable pads, are not reimbursed by social security. However, many associations distribute them for free to women and young women in need. It should be noted, however, that it can be difficult to join these associations as the waiting lists are very long.Washable sanitary pads
Washable
sanitary pads
offer an eco-friendly and economical alternative to disposable pads. They are worn over your underwear like a disposable pad. They are not suitable for physical activities
, but offer a sustainable solution. They are reimbursed at 100% in pharmacies for girls under 26 benefiting from C2S. All brands can be reimbursed as long as they meet non-toxicity criteria.Period underwearMore comfortable than
reusable sanitary pads
, period underwear is becoming increasingly popular. In addition, there are models designed specifically for sports to suit all needs of women and young women.They offer a sustainable solution
and fit perfectly into every woman’s lifestyle. Period underwear is reimbursed at 100% in pharmacies for girls under 26 benefiting from C2S. All brands meeting non-toxicity criteria can be reimbursed.Menstrual cupsA
sustainable option
that can last several years. However, menstrual cups require a little time to get used to placing and removing them easily.Just like period underwear and sanitary pads
, cups are part of a sustainable menstrual solution. As such, if they meet strict quality standards, guaranteeing their sanitary and environmental non-toxicity, they can be reimbursed for girls under 26 benefiting from C2SThe State has already put many actions in place to offer or reimburse menstrual products for women.
. It offers many solutions for young women in terms of sustainable protection, but what about when they want to swim? The menstrual cup
can indeed be used, but it can be uncomfortable during exercise for some women. The is a healthy and sustainable alternative period swimwear, however, they are not yet included in government reimbursement policies.In France, initiatives to make menstrual products free or reimbursed
show a real commitment to fighting period poverty. Whether through the reimbursement of reusable menstrual products or the free distribution of disposable hygiene products, every action counts to improve the lives of thousands of women. Remember, there are solutions so that everyone can experience their period with dignity. 29.95 EUR Discover
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