There are still gaps to be filled in achieving menstrual equity worldwide. Eliminating period poverty has the potential to significantly impact the fight against this issue. The following sections will explore how HAGO in Brampton is enabling change, detailing the mandate and outcomes associated with these initiatives.
What is HAGO in Brampton?
HAGO is an international governmental organization that is working to eradicate period poverty. Period poverty means lacking the products used to manage menstruation. This organization was initiated by three women who had a passion for extending their helping hand to the less privileged girls and women in the developing world.
Mission and Goals
Established with the mission of empowering change, the company provides menstrual products all over the world. Moreover, it has adopted audacious targets, aiming to make menstrual products accessible to everyone by the year 2030. Specifically, the goal is to supply 1 billion periods by this date. To achieve this, the company links and collaborates with humanitarian and healthcare organizations.
Defining Period Poverty
Period poverty is defined as not having access to products used during menstruation, either because they are too expensive to purchase or unavailable. It is estimated that 15% of girls and women in North America could suffer from period poverty. Furthermore, this figure is even higher in developing regions of the world. Sanitary products are essential items that women use in their daily lives. Consequently, denial of access may lead to adverse effects on the health, education, and economic prospects of menstruating individuals.
How Does HAGO Help?
They help in a few key ways: HAGO helps in a few key ways:
Product Donations
They also provide menstrual hygiene products to people all over the world who may not be able to afford them. The products help school-going girls remain in school and give women a chance to work.
Sustainable Infrastructure
They construct facilities like private washrooms for girls in schools as part of their undertakings. There is nothing as important as having safe spaces to change menstrual products. Additionally, Help a Girl Out enhances the provision of information on menstrual health in the communities.
Partnerships
Currently, there is cooperation with hundreds of charities worldwide. These charities assist in the delivery and donation of menstrual products to people in need within the communities they operate in.
Advocacy
They advocate for making menstrual products accessible and removing taxes to ensure availability for everyone. HAGO in Brampton also conducts social research on matters concerning periods and released the first article on period poverty in the USA and Canada.
Period poverty is a condition whereby women and girls cannot afford essential sanitary products, and you can help address this issue.
You can visit HAGO’s website to find more information and make a contribution, or you can like their work on social media. Raise awareness of period poverty within your community. Promote policies that would make it easier to access and purchase feminine hygiene products. These actions are small, but together, they make a change that empowers real change!
Enhancing Local Accessibility
Stores provide collection bins for the donation of period products, allowing individuals to give away their surplus items. Associates collect these donations and then distribute them to women who cannot afford sanitary products due to financial hardship. This initiative ensures that period products are accessible at a low price or even free of charge, bringing dignity to those in need.
Educates to Fight Stigma
Period poverty problems arise from menstrual stigma. Many people still hold misconceptions and myths about menstruation, which leads to exclusion and shame. HAGO goes to schools and youth centers to educate. They advocate for facts pertaining to menstruation. It removes the stigma so more can come forward to get period products. Education benefits both givers and receivers.
Advocates to Make Change
Advocates are working to influence policymakers to change policies at both local and national levels. They focus on endorsing laws that require the provision of free menstrual products in schools and shelters. Although some localities have passed such legislation with support, we still need more change to address period poverty for everyone effectively. Advocates continue to urge policymakers to ensure the availability of period products.
Conclusion
The current work explains that there is a noble mission to eliminate issues associated with women’s rights and access to menstrual products. Innovative strategies are generating impact around the world. Through the promotion of education and access and breaking the negative perceptions associated with menstruation, HAGO in Brampton is supporting and advocating for equity.
Support Help a Girl Out by contributing to safe spaces and improving menstrual health education in your community today.
