Period Poverty's Impact on the Health, Social Lives, and Professional and Financial Opportunities of Adolescent Menstruators in Kenya: A Literature Review
Open Access
Author:
Lewis, Kathryn Rita
Area of Honors:
Global and International Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Arpan Shailesh Yagnik, Thesis Supervisor Jonathan Eran Abel, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
global and international studies period poverty menstruation Kenya low- and middle-income countries Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract:
Period poverty describes the lack of access to proper menstrual care products and sanitation facilities, educational opportunities, and other resources. The ability to afford menstrual care products can hinder the wellbeing and livelihood of menstruators. This thesis highlights and discusses the health, social, and professional and financial difficulties an adolescent menstruator in Kenya experiencing period poverty encounters. A systematic literature review was conducted to extract articles pertaining to period poverty in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries. As period poverty gains more recognition, it is recommended that research continues to address the inequities adolescent menstruators in Kenya experience on a health, social, and professional and financial aspect. The literature review highlighted a strong body of research regarding the relationship between the health of an individual and period poverty. The literature also revealed areas that require more research, specifically regarding the mental health of menstruators and the professional and financial issues those experiencing period poverty will face daily.
