Dutch research from Amsterdam NGO Neighborhood Feminists into period poverty illustrates that 1 out of 4 people who menstruate are adversely affected. However, there’s also good news: Amsterdam results show intervention can work.

– BY ROBINE VAN DER EIJK –

If you don’t menstruate, you certainly know someone who does. For many, managing their period is an ongoing struggle tied to poverty and inequality. Period poverty is debilitating and disruptive, affecting every facet of life and ultimately limiting someone’s potential and ability to participate in society. Following up on the first research into Amsterdam’s levels of period poverty in 2022, Amsterdam NGO Neighborhood Feminists (NF) once again collaborated with researchers at Opinium to complete the largest-ever study of period poverty in the Netherlands. Additional focus was given to Amsterdam in order to compare the results with findings from two years ago.

Code Red: the results

The research findings are distressing. Period poverty in the Netherlands is widespread, found both above and below the poverty line, and isn’t limited to the big cities. Based on the answers of 3,547 participants, Code Red research concludes that 765,000 people (25% of those who menstruate) either struggle to afford or are unable to pay for the necessary products. In total, an alarming 13% of people who menstruate in the Netherlands were unable to afford menstrual products at some point this past year. In Amsterdam alone, 14% experienced period poverty. No less than 86% of those who either struggled or couldn’t afford products resorted to alternative actions, like cutting back on other basic needs. Nearly half (48%) cut back on groceries (over 366,000 people), while 34% cut back on household needs.

Poverty + menstruation = a double taboo

The impact of period poverty is felt far and wide. Not only are people cutting down on necessities, it also limits their ability to participate in society because they miss out on school, work, and social opportunities. More specific: 19% of 18-24-year-olds missed school (46,000 people) and 14% of those working missed work (over 155,000). Although menstruation affects about half the population, period poverty continues to carry a double layer of shame and social stigma (poverty + menstruation = a double taboo). That’s why this research also investigated the mental and physical impact. Respondents, regardless of income level, report experiencing shame (17%) and stress (13%) when trying to obtain the necessary products.

Heavy bleeding and abnormal pain

The outlook is sobering, with 24% of the Amsterdam-based respondents finding it increasingly difficult to afford period products. When looking at the 18-24-year-olds, this number jumps to 31%. The research further reveals an increase of heavy bleeding and abnormal pain. The percentage of people in the Netherlands who seek treatment for these issues is significantly lower than in other European countries. This is worrying, since menstrual problems can be an indicator of underlying medical disorders, such as endometriosis and PCOS.

Intervention works

Conclusion: period poverty in the Netherlands occurs more often than previously thought. Exacerbated by the high cost of living, this directly impacts individuals, communities, and the economy. However, evidence-based solutions to end period poverty are at hand. What’s more: they’re feasible. While still above the national rate, thanks to municipal intervention, Amsterdam’s rate of period poverty has been halved from 2022 to 2024 (dropping from 27% to 14%). Policy change works. That’s why the research underscores the importance of the city’s 2023 funding for the distribution of free period products.

Current levels of support for tackling period poverty should strategically increase in both scale and continuity at different levels, to match the actual need. At national level, Neighborhood Feminists contends that raising the minimum wage is the most critical step the government can take to address all forms of poverty, including period poverty. In both the public and private sector, NF argues the focus shouldn’t just be on access of menstrual products, but also on education and research. This can start with mandating comprehensive menstrual health education in secondary schools.

Call to Action

Promoting research into menstrual and reproductive health will help closing the knowledge gap while reducing health costs and improving quality of life. Locally, NF calls for municipal measures, such as providing free period products in public spaces (like shelters and libraries), integrating age-appropriate menstrual health education in elementary schools, and the systemic tracking of period poverty within broader anti-poverty and health strategies. Additionally, NF emphasises the value of awareness campaigns to destigmatise menstruation more effectively.

Take this issue seriously

The report has been well-received within the Netherlands, with support from dr. Yadira Roggeveen, Chair of the Society & Gynecology’ Committee of the Dutch Obstetrics and Gynecology Association (NVOG), and She Decides Founder and former Minister and Dutch MP Lilianne Ploumen. She stated: ‘I support Neighborhood Feminists’ call to municipalities and the Tweede Kamer to take this issue seriously and work on concrete solutions. The city of Amsterdam is showing that it can be done!’ At international level, the report was lauded by period poverty pioneer Monica Lennon. See her response below.

With Code Red’s clear research findings, NF makes a compelling argument for the urgency and feasibility of meaningful, evidence-based change, with a focus on:

• Improved long-term access to menstrual products supported by the public and private sector;
• Inclusive and comprehensive menstrual education in schools, workplaces and through complementary awareness campaigns to increase visibility and reduce stigma;
• Further research into period poverty, as well as menstrual and reproductive health.

For more information on the Code Red research findings and what you can do about period poverty, go to neighborhoodfeminists.com.

About the author
This guest blog post was written by Robine van der Eijk (she/her). Van der Eijk is a volunteer at Neighborhood Feminists, an NGO focused on needs-based community change, which has been tackling period poverty in Amsterdam since 2019. Illustrations are by Maria Azedo via Neighborhood Feminists.

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