Netball Manawatū development officer Rebecca Boyd (centre) holds a period pack. Next to her are Sport Manawatū staff Cheycoda Cocks and Matthew Conger.
The statistics paint a stark picture. The Youth19 Survey found 7.5 per cent of Kiwi students have missed school because they couldn’t access menstrual products. In lower-income areas, this number rises to 20 per cent.
These are not just numbers - they represent the lives of young individuals whose education
and well-being are compromised, Sport Manawatū chief executive Kelly Shanks says.
Period poverty’s reach extends further, into the world of sport, affecting participation and performance in subtle yet significant ways.
Some girls and women who experience period poverty may opt to avoid physical activities. This results in lower fitness levels, diminished health, and reduced overall wellbeing.
Period poverty can also take a toll on self-esteem and motivation. Girls and women who menstruate may feel embarrassed, ashamed, or stigmatised due to something as natural as their periods. These emotional hurdles hinder their participation in sports.
