ByPeriod poverty—defined as the lack of access to menstrual products, proper hygiene facilities, and education—is a significant issue in Canada. For migrant women, this problem is compounded by unique barriers that go beyond financial struggles, affecting health, social integration, and access to opportunities. The challenges they face are not always visible but have far-reaching effects.
Let’s check out how period poverty in Canada impacts migrant women and look at possible solutions to address these issues effectively.
Financial Instability Due to Period Poverty in Canada
For many migrant women, financial insecurity is a daily struggle. Moreover, finding stable and well-paying employment is difficult for newcomers. Even those who do secure work often end up in low-wage jobs. With the high cost of living in Canada, tough decisions are inevitable. As a result, women may have to choose between purchasing basic needs like food and rent or buying menstrual products.
Since menstrual products are often considered non-essential in tight budgets, women end up using unsafe alternatives like cloths or tissues. This choice, consequently, can put their health at risk.
Language Barriers – Hard to Access Help
Moving to a new country is challenging, and language barriers add another layer of difficulty. Furthermore, for migrant women, these barriers can prevent access to essential resources such as menstrual health education or free products. Even when these services exist, information is often only available in English or French. This limitation leaves non-English-speaking women struggling to find support.
In addition, the absence of multilingual resources means many migrant women do not know where to look for free menstrual products or healthcare services that can help them.
Cultural Sensitivities – Stigma Compounds the Problem
In some cultures, menstruation is a private or even taboo subject. Consequently, this cultural stigma can make it difficult for migrant women to discuss their needs openly. Some women feel embarrassed to talk about menstrual issues with male family members or community leaders, which restricts access to products or resources. Moreover, cultural taboos can make it harder to integrate into Canadian society, where more open discussions about menstruation are encouraged.
Lack of Inclusive Healthcare
Canada’s universal healthcare system does not guarantee equal access for everyone. Many migrant women, especially those with temporary or precarious immigration status, do not qualify for provincial health insurance. Without coverage, even basic healthcare services like gynecological exams may be unaffordable. The high cost of private healthcare forces women to ignore conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding, which can worsen over time without proper treatment.
Educational Barriers in Menstrual Health
Not all schools in Canada provide menstrual health education, and this gap is more significant for migrant women. Many of these women missed school or formal education during their transition to Canada. Without formal education on menstrual health, women may be unaware of the best practices for managing menstruation or recognizing conditions like endometriosis. Having menstrual health education available in different languages would help break down the barriers related to period poverty in Canada.
Limited Access to Safe Hygiene Facilities
Clean and private washrooms are essential for menstrual hygiene. However, migrant women living in shelters, group housing, or without permanent accommodation often have limited access to suitable facilities. When safe washrooms are unavailable, it is challenging to change menstrual products regularly or wash hands properly. This lack of access raises the risk of infections. Furthermore, many public spaces may not have proper disposal bins for menstrual products, leading to hygiene concerns.
Community Support Gaps: Services That Don’t Cater to Migrants
While there are organizations that provide free menstrual products, not all of these services are accessible to migrant women. There is a lack of programs specifically made for the needs of migrants, such as offering products in culturally sensitive environments or providing multilingual support. In addition, some initiatives do not consider the unique needs of refugees, asylum seekers, or undocumented migrants, leaving gaps in support.
Effective Strategies Addressing Period Poverty for Migrant Women
To effectively reduce period poverty among migrant women, a multi-faceted approach is essential:
- Expand Access to Free Menstrual Products: Governments and organizations should make menstrual products available for free in shelters, schools, public washrooms, and community centers. Focus on providing these resources in areas where migrant women are likely to seek help.
- Develop Multilingual Menstrual Health Resources: Education on menstrual health should be accessible in multiple languages to guarantee that migrant women have the information they need. Partnering with cultural organizations could help reach underserved communities.
- Incorporate Menstrual Health into Refugee Support Services: Integrating menstrual health resources into settlement programs for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers can help close the care gap.
- Normalize Conversations About Menstruation: Community leaders and healthcare providers should encourage open discussions about menstruation. Creating an environment where women feel comfortable asking for help is key to reducing stigma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, period poverty in Canada disproportionately affects migrant women, with barriers that go beyond financial limitations. Addressing this problem requires targeted solutions that consider these unique needs. With the right support, Canada can take meaningful steps toward reducing period poverty and making sure that every woman has the resources necessary for menstrual health.
Contact Help a Girl Out to help make a difference.
