Together with ActionAid UK, we’re tackling period poverty by improving access to sustainable period products and menstrual health education.

  • Why this matters

    Period poverty isn’t just about products. It affects confidence, education, health and opportunity. No one should miss out on life because of their period.

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    Image: KUJUWA Initiative charity donation 2022
    Schoolgirls smiling in classroom holding reusable period pants, highlighting impact of period poverty on education and access to sustainable period care
Ruby Raut, founder of WUKA, sharing her personal experience of period poverty and advocating for access to sustainable period products

"I didn’t have dignity. No one should feel that way because of their period"

Imagine being 12, getting your first period… and instead of being comforted, you’re told you have to leave your home because you’re “unclean.” That was my reality growing up in Nepal. I had something to use, but I didn’t have dignity. At school, there were no proper toilets or facilities. I used makeshift cloth, constantly scared it would fall out, and sometimes it did. I’d feel so embarrassed that I'd just go home.

That experience made me realise period poverty isn’t just about access to products. It’s about shame, lack of education, and not having a safe space to manage your period. And no girl should ever feel that way just for being on her period.

That’s why I care so deeply about the work ActionAid is doing, because period poverty isn’t just about products. It’s about safe spaces, education, and dignity. Because I’ve lived the reality they’re trying to change.

Ruby Raut, Founder & CEO, WUKA

  • 1 in 10

    people across the UK struggle to afford period products.

    Outline of a person icon on a bright green background, highlighting that 1 in 10 people across the UK struggle to afford period products

  • 64%

    of those people, said they had to prioritise buying food instead.

    Black megaphone icon on a green background, highlighting that 64% of people say they have to prioritise buying food instead of period products

  • 137,000

    children miss school because of their period each month.

    Black line drawing of an eye icon on a green background, highlighting that 137,000 children in the UK miss school because of their period each month

  • 500+ Million

    globally lack access to safe, sustainable period care.

    Outline of a world map in a circle on a green background, highlighting that 500+ million globally lack access to safe, sustainable period care

  • See how ActionAid is driving change

    Discover how they’re working to end period poverty worldwide and support women and girls globally.

    Learn More
    Girls participating in classroom session supported by ActionAid, promoting menstrual health education and tackling period poverty globally

Girls at the ActionAid Rwanda summer camp in Nyanza District take part in classroom sessions on sexual and reproductive rights, including periods and understanding their rights.

Credit: Christie Ntwari/ActionAid

WUKA x ActionAid: Tackling Period Poverty Together

Learn how WUKA and ActionAid UK are working together to tackle period poverty, challenge stigma, and create access to dignified, sustainable period care around the world.

What is period poverty and why does it matter?

Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and safe facilities needed to manage periods with dignity. It matters because it affects health, confidence, and opportunities - causing people to miss school, work, and everyday life simply because they have their period.
Why is tackling period stigma so important?

Stigma and silence around periods can lead to harmful practices, exclusion, and shame. Around the world, this can mean girls being isolated, restricted, or missing education. Ending stigma is key to ensuring periods are treated as a normal part of life - not something that limits freedom or opportunity.
What inspired WUKA to partner with ActionAid?

WUKA and ActionAid share a belief that period poverty is not just a health issue, but a human rights issue. Both are working to challenge the systems and stigma that exclude women and girls, and to create long-term, community-led change.
How is Ruby’s story connected to this campaign?

WUKA founder Ruby Raut grew up in Nepal, where periods were surrounded by stigma and harmful practices. When she had her first period, she was isolated from her family and forced to use makeshift products, missing school and losing confidence. This lived experience drives WUKA’s mission to ensure no one is held back by their period.
What is ActionAid doing to tackle period poverty globally?

ActionAid works with women and girls around the world to improve access to menstrual health education, products, and safe facilities. They support community-led programmes that challenge harmful practices, including helping to create chhaupadi-free communities in Nepal and empowering women to claim their rights.
How does WUKA contribute to solving period poverty?

WUKA was founded to challenge period stigma and create practical, sustainable solutions. By normalising conversations around periods and offering reusable alternatives, WUKA helps reduce barriers to access while supporting broader efforts to create dignity and inclusion.
Why are reusable period products part of the solution?

Reusable products like WUKA period pants offer a long-term, cost-effective alternative to disposables. They can last for years, helping reduce financial pressure and environmental waste, while providing reliable access to period care.
How can I support the ActionAid + WUKA partnership?

You can support by choosing reusable period products, raising awareness, and supporting organisations like ActionAid. Every action helps challenge stigma, improve access, and create a world where no one is held back by their period.