Imagine this: You’re 13. You love sport. You’ve been looking forward to PE all week. But your period shows up - and you’ve got nothing to wear. No pads. No backup. No support.
So you skip class. Again.
This is the reality for thousands of teenagers across the UK. And it’s not just about physical health. It’s about self-worth, opportunity, and the silent shame that comes from not being able to participate in your own life because of something as natural as menstruation.
Period poverty is about more than products - it’s about confidence, freedom, and equality.
What Is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers to a lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education. In the UK, it affects more than 1 in 5 girls, and many more experience moments of period insecurity, where they have to stretch, reuse, or go without essentials. In sport, that insecurity becomes a barrier.
Research shows:
- 68% of girls say their period stops them from participating in sport at school
- For those who can’t afford products, the anxiety and risk of leaking becomes too high
- Stigma, embarrassment, and discomfort add another layer to the problem
Why It Matters in Sport
Sport isn’t just about fitness - it’s about belonging, joy, and resilience. When teens are forced to sit out during their period, they’re missing out on more than physical activity.
They’re missing:
- A sense of team and connection
- The confidence that comes from moving your body
- A positive relationship with your changing body
- Skill-building that can support mental health and academic focus
For teens already struggling with self-esteem, not being able to show up - because they’re afraid of leaking or don’t have the right support - can be devastating.
The Confidence Gap Starts Early
Periods are already a sensitive topic for many teens. But when those periods come with fear, embarrassment, and exclusion? That’s where the damage starts. When teens can’t manage their periods with dignity, it chips away at their confidence.
Over time, the message becomes clear: “My body is a problem.”
And for those in under-resourced communities, where period products are seen as “non-essentials,” the message is even louder. This isn’t about skipping one PE class. It’s about missing the chance to feel capable, connected, and strong.
How WUKA Is Stepping In
At WUKA, we believe no one should have to choose between movement and menstruation.
That’s why our pants are designed for exactly this moment: when teens (and adults!) want to stay active, leak-free, and confident - even on their heaviest days.
Our Perform™ range includes high‑absorbency period pants, period shorts, period cycling shorts, period leggings, period skorts, and period swimwear - all designed to feel like regular activewear.
Each piece offers supportive fits that stay put during running, jumping, dancing, swimming, and everything in between, with fast‑drying, moisture‑wicking fabrics to keep you comfortable and fresh. They’re not just for athletes - they’re for any young person who wants to feel in control of their body, no matter the day of the month..
Our Stretch™ Period Pants are designed to grow, flex, and move with you - literally. With a unique multi-size fit that adapts to your body as it changes, they’re perfect for growing teens, fluctuating bloating, or anyone who wants reliable comfort without a tight squeeze.
These pants are soft, seamless, and secure, holding up to 8 tampons’ (Super Heavy Flow) worth of blood while feeling like your comfiest everyday underwear. Whether you're in class, at practice, or just hanging out, Stretch moves with you - so you can focus on life, not leaks.
Beyond Products: Changing the Culture
Fixing period poverty isn’t just about handing out pants. It’s about changing the conversation:
- Education: Schools need to talk about menstruation openly, for all genders. That includes how periods affect sport.
- Access: Every school should offer free, high-quality period products - no questions asked.
- Inclusion: Coaches and PE teachers need training on how to support menstruating students without stigma or silence.
- Choice: Teens should have options, including sustainable ones like reusable period pants, to manage their flow in a way that works for them.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a teacher, coach, parent, or peer - you have a role to play.
Here’s how:
- Keep products on hand in classrooms, changing rooms, and bathrooms
- Use inclusive language and normalise talking about periods and sport
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Support local initiatives working to end period poverty in your community
Periods shouldn’t pause potential. They shouldn’t make teens feel like they have to sit out, shut up, or shrink themselves. At WUKA, we believe in a future where every young person can move through life - freely, confidently, and comfortably.
No leaks. No shame. No limits.
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