Brent Council has set up 16 locations across the borough with free period products in its fight against period poverty.
The council’s recent partnership with Hey Girls, aims to eradicate period poverty and challenge the stigma and perception, calling it a basic sanitary need.
Their work aims to redefine the struggle to an empowering movement through the council’s period dignity campaign.
Councillor Mili Patel said: “We’re not using the term period poverty; we’re using period dignity.
“It’s about promoting a positive message, fostering a supportive environment, and empowering women while tackling the stigma and shame associated with periods.”
Several studies have revealed the number of UK women struggling to afford period products has risen year on year.
Plan International UK found two million students in the UK would miss school due to period poverty.
The data revealed 77% of girls felt they could not focus in school, college or work due to their period, with nearly a third (32%) experiencing this every month.
Cllr Patel believes the cost of living crisis, which has severely exasperated poverty issues and forced families to make difficult choices between essentials, is a significant factor in the rise.
She said: “The poverty rate in Brent is 31% higher than the London average.
“We know that the demand for period products is there.”
For Cllr Patel, the issue of paid menstrual products is a matter of basic needs that should be made accessible to everyone.
Statistics from ActionAid reveal how the cost-of living has forced many women to choose between hygiene and everyday needs.
Their data showed women aged 18-24 were most likely to struggle affording period products.
Brent Council’s Collaboration with Hey Girls
Brent Council’s partnership with Hey Girls has been a transformative initiative to support the community.
Free period products are available in libraries, community centres and public restrooms.
The products provided by Hey Girls are eco-friendly and easily recyclable, contributing to the council’s ongoing climate emergency agenda.
Beyond providing products, Brent Council has prioritized reducing stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation.
Cllr Patel said: “It’s not just about addressing a lack of access but about creating a culture where periods are normalized and no one feels shame or stigma.
“It’s about taking away the stigma and shame.”
Staff are trained to ensure their approach is open, respectful and empowering.
Councillor Patel believes creating an environment of dignity and respect around menstrual health is a top priority in the council’s fight.
The high success demonstrates the high demand for such services across all London boroughs.
She said: “In the first month, five of our locations had already run out.
“We’ve had people tell us how much of a difference this makes—parents, young people, even teachers.
“It’s not just about products; it’s about showing we care.”
Period poverty across London
Brent has been London’s leading borough in helping empower women in their struggle.
In 2021, it became the first London borough to install vending machines containing free pads and tampons in public spaces.
However, period poverty remains a socio-economic challenge across London boroughs.
An ActionAid poll found the number of UK women struggling to afford period products has risen from 12% to 21% in a year.
The poll revealed over 60% of women prioritised buying food over period products.
With only 24% choosing to buy period products.
Many were forced to re-use pads and tampons which can lead to the extreme cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome, causing serious illness or death.
Various organizations have begun to take action to help reduce the rising poverty.
Flow Happy is a London-based non-profit organization committed to addressing period poverty through providing free, eco-friendly menstrual products and promoting period poverty awareness, and fostering dignity and equality.
In 2024, they established 45 distribution stations across 13 London boroughs, suppling more than 223,000 pads and tampons.
Some of the boroughs benefiting from these services include Barking and Dagenham, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hounslow, Greenwich, Wandsworth, Tower Hamlets and Croydon.
They provide services to areas where the cost of living has deepened period poverty.
From poverty to dignity
Tackling the social taboo surrounding period poverty has been a crucial equality issue for Cllr Patel.
She highlighted the inherent gender disparity that has overshadowed menstrual health and accessibility to products.
Cllr Patel said: “If men had periods, this wouldn’t even be a conversation, it would already be solved.
“This is about fairness. Women and people who menstruate shouldn’t be disadvantaged because of something natural to their bodies.”
The councillor hopes to expand the council’s mission to primary schools, recognising early confrontation of the stigma is crucial for young girls.
By addressing the broader social issues surrounding period poverty, Brent Council aims to dismantle the socio-economic barriers that affect women in education and work.
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