Imagine for a moment: a a woman spends an average of €8,000 on hygiene products over the course of her life. Yes, you read that right, €8,000! It’s a significant cost that weighs heavily on the budget of many women.
The reimbursement of sanitary products is therefore a matter of paramount importance, both for gender equality that for the public health. The menstrual precariousness is a topic that deserves our full attention. In France, measures have been put in place to help young women and women who have financial difficulties in accessing the hygienic protectors. We'll tell you more. 👇🏻
Why does the reimbursement of hygiene products concern us all?
The cost of hygienic protections accumulates over the years. With an average of 5 to 15 € per month, a woman can spend up to 150 € per year for these essential hygiene products. Over a lifetime, this represents a considerable amount, nearing €8,000.
For many, especially for students and young women with low incomes, this cost is a real burden. Every month, for the smallest wallets, the same question arises: buy hygiene products or meet other essential needs such as food or housing. And the biggest problem is that the rules, the concerns and the expenses that come with them return every month.
You will tell me that it does not look at the women, but this situation worsens inequalities already existing and drives many women in the menstrual precariousness.
The menstrual precariousness, it is the inability to access some hygienic protections in sufficient quantity and of good quality.
Whatever it takes to face her menstruation, a woman needs to protections. When she can't get one, she makes one. No one can fully focus on a class while also worrying about the strength of the temporary menstrual solution. Nor sleep soundly with fear of a leak who would come to ruin his sheets. Nor even go to work peacefully.
Ultimately, the menstrual precariousness has dramatic consequences:
- repeated school absences
- absence from work
- social isolation
- infections due to the use of unsuitable protection
- etc
In summary, the reimbursement of menstrual products is a matter of dignity and public health.
Reimbursement initiatives around the world
Around the world, several countries have taken measures to make the more accessible hygiene products, highlighting the importance of this issue on a global scale.
- Scotland Scotland was the first country to offer free sanitary products to all women. A pioneering initiative that has highlighted the subject of the menstrual precariousness and paved the way for other countries.
- New Zealand : In New Zealand, some free sanitary products are provided in schools. A measure to ensure that young girls do not miss school because of their rules.
The results of these initiatives of reimbursement or free provision of hygiene products are very positive:
- best school attendance
- reduction of infections
- improvement of overall well-being
However, very few countries make the leap and in some developing countries, the menstrual precariousness is even more serious.
These international initiatives show that the reimbursement and the free provision of sanitary products have beneficial effects on society as a whole. Drawing inspiration from these examples, France has implemented measures aimed at better care for the menstrual precariousness.
How to fight against menstrual poverty in France
The menstrual precariousness touch of many women . In France, we talk about nearly 4 million women victims of menstrual precariousness in 2023 (source). At the beginning of 2021, a survey published by FAGE, ANESF, and AFEP revealed that 33% of female students needed help for get menstrual protection (source).
Not being able to buy hygienic protections can have serious consequences on the health, the psyche, the schooling, the work and the daily life, as we have seen previously. To combat this problem, the French government has implemented several measures:
-
Reduction of VAT on the disposable hygiene products at 5.5 %.
As a reminder, consumer products have a VAT of 20% unlike essential goods which have a VAT of 5.5%. - 100% refund on the reusable hygiene protections for those under 26 benefiting from the Complementary Health Solidarity (C2S) in pharmacies.
- 60% refund on the reusable hygiene protections in pharmacies for those under 26 years old excluding C2S.
- More than 30 million protections distributed for free in 2023 through social and solidarity grocery stores, of student grocery stores and of shelter centers. This action alone represents 5.4 million euros in 2024. (source)
These measures help to reduce the cost of hygienic protections and to help those who need it most, regardless of their age. But these are not the only actions implemented. In addition to government assistance, associations help to fight against menstrual poverty.
Associations like Elementary Rules actively campaigning for a free access or a reimbursement of sanitary products. Their work is essential to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about this cause. Moreover, since 2017, the State has been contributing to the funding of this association to allow them a greater scope of action.
Thus, government measures and associative initiatives are fighting against the menstrual precariousness in France. But what about the types of reimbursed sanitary protections Are they all refunded?
The benefits of a universal reimbursement for hygiene products
The reimbursement of sanitary products in France offers of many advantages for women, for a more equal society :
1. Gender Equality
The reimbursement of sanitary products would contribute to reducing gender inequalities. Women should not be financially penalized for a function natural organic.
Just like some brands of condoms are reimbursed at the pharmacy since 2018, it has become imperative to implement measures for refund for menstrual products.
2. Public health
A better accessibility to hygiene products reduces the risk of infections and other complications.
Moreover, with these measures, the State emphasizes the quality and non-toxicity of hygiene products. This has a direct impact on public health in general.
3. Well-being and inclusion
One generalized refund would improve the women's well-being and would promote greater social inclusion (school, work, sports, family). It is a question of dignity and social justice.
The reimbursement of sanitary products represents a challenge much greater than the simple menstrual precariousness. It is a social issue that we all need to seize to a fairer and more equal world.
What types of hygiene products are reimbursed?
In France, different types of sanitary protections are reimbursed only in pharmacies or provided for free in community places.
Disposable hygiene products
The disposable hygiene products, such as the tampons and disposable pads, are not not refundable by social security. However, many associations are making it free distribution among 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 long.
Reusable sanitary towels
The reusable sanitary pads offer a ecological and economical alternative to disposable towels. They are applied over your underwear like a disposable sanitary napkin.
They are not not suitable for physical activities, but offer a sustainable solution. They are 100% reimbursed at pharmacies for young girls under 26 benefiting from C2SAll brands can be refunded provided they meet the non-toxicity criteria.
Menstrual panties
More comfortable than the reusable sanitary towels, the menstrual panties are becoming increasingly popular. In addition, there are models designed specifically for sports to adapt to all the needs of women and young women.
They offer a sustainable solution and adapt perfectly to the lifestyle of each woman. The menstrual panties are reimbursed at 100% in pharmacies for young girls of under 26 years old benefiting from the C2SAll brands meeting the non-toxicity criteria can be refunded.
Menstrual cups
One durable option which can last several years. However, the menstrual cups require a little time to adapt to learn how to place it well and remove it easily.
Just like the panties and menstrual pads, the cuts are part of a sustainable menstrual solutione. As a result, if they meet strict quality standards, ensuring their non-toxicity for health and the environment, they can be refunded for young girls under 26 years old benefiting from the C2S.
The State has already implemented numerous actions to offer or refund hygiene products to women. It offers many solutions for young women in terms of durable protection, but what about when they want to swim?
The menstrual cup can indeed be used, but it presents some discomfort during exercise for some women. The period swimwear is a healthy and sustainable alternative, however, they are not yet integrated into the government refund policies.
In France, initiatives for make hygiene products free or reimbursed show a real willingness to fight against menstrual poverty. Whether it is by the reimbursement of reusable hygiene products or the distribution free disposable hygiene products, every gesture counts to improve the lives of thousands of women. Don't forget, there are solutions so that everyone can live your period with dignity.
