Period Poverty among Adolescents: A Comparison between Urban and Rural Areas in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research intends to investigate the period poverty among adolescents in urban and rural settings. In Sri Lanka, menstruation is considered a taboo topic, and therefore, it is not openly discussed in society. Ergo, period poverty is not given sufficient attention by the people in power and the public. Period poverty is “a global issue affecting women and girls who do not have access to safe, hygienic sanitary products, and/or who are unable to manage their periods with dignity, sometimes due to community stigma and sanction. This research followed a mixed method since both qualitative and quantitative methods were used by the researcher. Since the study is on period poverty, which is a sensitive topic for many participants, a mixed-methods approach was developed. Since the unit of analysis is schoolgirls, a method that allowed the researcher to have one-on-one discussions with them was essential. In conclusion, the study identified that both urban and rural schools are affected by period poverty in a similar manner. It is true that the students in the urban school find it more comfortable to purchase period products due to their upbringing and wealthy family background, which is not the case when it comes to the rural school. However, the lack of awareness of sexual and reproductive health, misinformation, social stigma, and lack of sanitary facilities can be identified as similar concerns for both schools. Therefore, the researcher is convinced, through data, that period poverty exists, is felt, and experienced by both rural and urban schools despite their geographical locality. Since only two schools were selected for the study, it is difficult to generalise it to the country. However, it is possible to gain inferences and make predictions that involve the big picture.