NEENAH, Wis., May 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new study
conducted by U by Kotex®, research shows that two in
five people have struggled to purchase period products1,
a 35% increase from the brand's initial research in 2018. Earlier
data inspired U by Kotex to become the founding sponsor of the
Alliance for Period Supplies in 2018 to support those affected by
period poverty. The new data is being released to help elevate
Period Poverty Awareness Week (May 24
– May 30, 2021), an initiative
created by the Alliance for Period Supplies to educate others on
period poverty and the impact it has on those in need of menstrual
supplies.
"Period poverty is causing a tremendous physical and emotional
impact on women in need, and the need has significantly grown over
the last year," said Rebecca Dunphey, Kimberly-Clark North
America Personal Care President. "In partnership with the Alliance
for Period Supplies, U by Kotex is committed to shining a
light on the magnitude of this issue and supporting individuals who
lack access to period products."
The study also uncovered how period poverty is
disproportionately impacting Black and Latina people, as well as
the impacts of COVID-19 on the issue:
- A quarter of Black (23%) and Latina (24%) people with periods
strongly agree that they've struggled to afford period products in
the past year.2
- 27% of all respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic made it
difficult to access period products, with two-thirds (65%) of those
who have struggled stating they lacked access because they could
not afford them.3
- Over one-third (38%) of low-income women report missing work,
school or similar events due to lack of access to period
supplies.3
- Nearly seven in ten (68%) people agree that period poverty is a
public health issue, yet only 4% of Americans are aware of a local
resource where free or reduced cost period supplies are
available.3
"We can end period poverty in the U.S. by increasing awareness
of the issue, expanding community-based programs that help people
in need, and advocating for changes in public policy," said
Jennifer Gaines, Program Director at
the Alliance for Period Supplies. "With the support of U by
Kotex and our network of more than 110 nonprofit programs
nationwide, we are making a difference in the lives of people
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those who continue to
struggle to afford the basic necessities they require to thrive. We
encourage communities, organizations, companies and policy makers
to join with us, donate to an allied partner, host a virtual
product drive, and tell others about the impact period poverty
has here in the U.S. This study shows that our work is far
from over."
Since U by Kotex became the founding sponsor of the Alliance for
Period Supplies, the brand has donated more than 41 million period
products to the Alliance for Period Supplies and its network of
community-based nonprofits. In recognition of Period Poverty
Awareness Week and the increased need brought to light by this
research, U by Kotex is committing an additional $25,000 this year to support the Alliance for
Period Supplies. The donation will fund ten grants to BIPOC-led
period supply programs.
Furthering its efforts, U by Kotex is also proud to announce its
sponsorship of the National Foundation for Women Legislators
(NFWL), an organization aimed at empowering and inspiring elected
women to become thought leaders who shape America's
future. Together with the Alliance for Period Supplies, U
by Kotex is providing educational resources to NFWL members
and hosting product donation drive events in select markets
throughout the year with the intent to increase education of period
poverty and access to menstrual products. U by Kotex will
match product donations up to 20,000 period products at each
event.
Period Poverty Awareness Week also encompasses Menstrual Hygiene
Day on May 28, a day created to break
the taboos surrounding periods and highlight the movement on a
global scale.
For more information and ways to support the Alliance for Period
Supplies, visit UbyKotex.com or join the conversation online using
the hashtags #WithUSheCan, #EndPeriodPoverty and #PPAW21.
About U by Kotex®
Kimberly-Clark created the feminine
care category with the launch of the Kotex brand more than 100
years ago. Now, U by Kotex®, a full line of feminine care pads,
liners and tampons, continues to push category boundaries. By
providing outstanding protection and unique design, the brand
brings women a better feminine care experience overall.
About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and
its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in
more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an
understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products
that help individuals experience more of what's important to them.
Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex,
Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus,
Neve, Plenitud, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share
position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support
a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our
business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest
news and to learn more about the company's 147-year history of
innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook
or Twitter.
About Alliance for Period Supplies
The Alliance for
Period Supplies is an initiative of the National Diaper Bank
Network (NDBN)—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leads a
nationwide movement aimed at helping individuals and families who
struggle to afford material basic needs. Launched in May 2018, with
the support of founding sponsor U by Kotex, the Alliance for Period
Supplies raises national awareness of period poverty
(#periodpoverty) and supports the development and expansion of
period supply programs in communities throughout the country. The
organization is comprised of Allied Programs that collect,
warehouse and distribute menstrual/period supplies in local
communities. More information on Alliance for Period Supplies is
available at allianceforperiodsupplies.org, and on
Twitter (@AllianceForPeriodSupplies) and
Facebook (facebook.com/AllianceForPeriodSupplies)
[KMB-B]
1 Within their lifetimes, due to lack
of income, According to a 2021 U by Kotex survey conducted
with YouGov
2 In the past year, According to a 2021 U by Kotex
survey conducted with YouGov
3 According to a 2021 U by Kotex survey conducted
with YouGov
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SOURCE U by Kotex brand