Menstrual precariousness: what this student survey reveals in the districts of Angoulême

A choice to make between food and period-related purchases

“The people interviewed are between 22 and 25 years old. They live in Angoulême, in the Basseau-Grande-Garenne districts or in the city center,” begins Anouk Doublet.

Several figures stand out. “66% of respondents encounter difficulty accessing periodic protection. For 73% of them, it is linked to the financial cost, 23% to social discomfort, the rest speak of a lack of information,” explains Chloé Métayer. This precariousness is reflected in daily life: 58% have had to make a choice between their diet and their period-related purchases. Finally, 80% consider free menstrual protection important.

A game to talk about the rules

Now what to do with these numbers? The three young women created a deck of cards to discuss taboos, preconceived ideas and solutions. “We did a workshop at the Escale media library with eight little girls. It was very interesting to see their lack of knowledge on this subject,” smiles Shaina Hubert. But soon, the students will have to pass the baton, “courses and exams” oblige. This is where the Urban Management Association (ARU) comes in. “Their study will help us in the implementation of the “new rules” project, which allows us to talk about menstruation with young people aged 12 to 25,” says Isabelle Chasson, project manager at the ARU. “In the end, all of this will result in a booklet intended for different audiences.”