How One Journalist is Addressing Period Poverty in Hungary
By Nathan Kornfeind
With the help of funding from Press Start donors, freelance journalist Lili Rutai published two articles on a pressing but little discussed issue in Hungary: period poverty. Period poverty refers to women and girls’ lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and sanitary facilities.
Rutai aimed to create a dialogue about period poverty that would change the lack of knowledge on the topic in Hungary. The government-friendly news media rarely discusses the issue, NGOs have worked on it, but without much publicity, and the few campaigns to distribute sanitary products were short lived. All this while Hungarian girls and women are disproportionately burdened by the highest “tampon tax” in the European Union, which stands at 27 percent.
Rutai’s first article, published in the independent media outlet Atlatszo, brought attention to period poverty and those who tried to combat it. With the help of Press Start funding, Rutai traveled across Hungary to speak with doctors, teachers, social workers, and young people about their experiences. The resulting article contributed to the ongoing discussions about period poverty in the country, a fact Rutai witnessed after its publication, when organizations and journalists reached out to her about the issue.
Introducing readers to a positive side of this story, Rutai’s second article for Atlatszo highlighted the progress made in combating period poverty in Britain. Rutai used the funds raised by Press Start donors to speak with the founders of the Red Box Project, one of the first charities to address period poverty, as well as Amika George, an influencer, activist, and founder of the Free Periods project. With their activism, these two organizations successfully encouraged the British government to commit funds to combatting period poverty.
Aware that this British model may not be a world-wide solution, Rutai nevertheless brought the issue of period poverty to the attention of the Hungarian public, introduced a possible solution, and took an important step in breaking the ice on this taboo topic. Crucial in her ability to take a solutions approach was the training she received from Transitions, which both trains journalists across Central and Eastern Europe and publishes many solutions-oriented articles. Lucie Cerna, the head of Transitions solutions journalism program, provided mentoring to Lili as she worked on her article.
In a conversation with Press Start, Rutai shared more about her experience.
What did you learn through your work on the “period poverty” project?
I have learned a lot in this journey — about women, about institutions, about poverty. But I think the most important lesson was that there are a lot of people who see period poverty as a problem and are able to help me report about it — be that with publicity, endorsement, information or money. Their help made me go all the way, that is what motivated me the most.
What are some of the difficulties and unexpected obstacles you faced?
Period poverty is still a double taboo, as both periods and poverty are concealed [phenomena]. At times, it was extremely difficult to find people who were willing to speak about their own experiences. I often had to wait for weeks [for interviews] or find new ways, new angles. It was challenging for sure, but I was lucky that I had enough time to make it good.
Are there any anecdotes that you would like to share with our social media audiences?
Not a particular one, but I would love to mention the whole atmosphere at the moment. There are other journalists asking me about this topic, organizations asking for my help related to promotional activities. Period poverty is a “trendy” topic at the moment, and I’m so glad that I was able to contribute to this discussion that will, hopefully, go on for a long time!
What are some places you travelled to and some people you’ve met that you think are worth mentioning?
I have travelled around Hungary for the interviews. I did know a lot about the country before, but the places I visited this time are not exactly in the tourist books. I went to doctors’ offices, backyards and homeless institutions. And I’m so glad I did, because I got to know amazing people there, who were happy to talk to me, and I was able to write a more insightful article than what I would have, had I not been able to move around. I think these experiences will help me with my future reporting too.
What impact has your first article made on the affected groups, if any?
I’m not sure it made an impact on people living in period poverty. Maybe some young girls, who struggle to buy sanitary products, have seen it and are now less afraid to ask for products. They know that they are not alone, that there are a lot of girls like them, and there are institutions that can help. But that’s just a maybe. What I know is that I made an impact on many of the readers. Many never heard of period poverty before and were surprised about how big of a problem it is. I think these people can help those affected: if just a few of my readers discuss the topic with friends, and if some go on to donate, or help out a girl they know, I have had a victory.
