Period poverty is the limited or inadequate access to menstrual products or menstrual health education as a result of financial constraints, negative socio-cultural stigmas associated with menstruation, or inadequate access to period-friendly sanitation facilities and running water. Period poverty disproportionately affects students, low-income and houseless women and girls, gender-diverse individuals, and incarcerated people.
In 2021, Maʻi Movement Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women partnered to conduct the first statewide survey and official government report on period poverty,
Understanding Period Poverty in Hawaiʻi. This questionnaire is part of a five-year follow-up study aimed at understanding how access, awareness, and experiences may have changed over time, how legislative action has impacted individuals, and identify where menstrual equity gaps still exist.
That's why we need your help.
The survey is for the people of Hawaiʻi of all genders who menstruate or have had periods. It includes six sections and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Some questions may feel personal. Please know that your responses are confidential and you may skip any question you prefer not to answer. Mahalo for taking the time to share your experience. Your voice helped us shape legislation since 2021, and it's needed now, more than ever, to create lasting change for our lāhui.
