New research from U by Kotex found that one in four women struggled to purchase period products within the past year due to lack of income. As the founding sponsor of the Alliance for Period Supplies, a program of the National Diaper Bank Network, U by Kotex expands its commitment to getting period products into the hands of those that need them most.
“U by Kotex is launching the With U, She Can program because we believe that a woman’s period should never stand in the way of her progress. Period,” said Amber Akisanya, Brand Manager for U by Kotex. “The reality is that for millions of women a period is doing just that.”
One in five low-income women report missing work, school or similar events due to lack of access to period supplies. These instances were linked to reported feelings of embarrassment, disappointment and depression.
“Through the support of the With U, She Can program, we will work together to shed light on the consequences that the lack of access to period products can have on the lives of individuals, and inspire others to take steps to address period poverty in their communities,” added Joanne Samuel Goldblum, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance for Period Supplies. “Because of the multi-year commitment from U by Kotex, the Alliance for Period Supplies and our allied programs will be able to serve thousands of individuals who currently face challenges in accessing the period products they need.”
“Through my work, I’ve seen the negative impacts of lack of access to period products, including stretching product usage and use of substitute products like toilet paper, or even cardboard and socks,” said Nadya Okamoto. “People treat periods as a taboo topic. But periods are natural, and menstrual hygiene is necessary. I’m partnering with U by Kotex to bring awareness to this necessary conversation.”
For more information and ways to support With U, She Can and the Alliance for Period Supplies, visit UbyKotex.com.
