Dear Valued Member,
It’s Period Poverty Awareness week (May 11th to May 17th 2026), and Tranquillity Credit Union is happy to announce the start of our contribution towards ending Period Poverty in T&T.
Period Poverty Awareness Week is an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about period poverty, reducing stigma, and promoting access to menstrual products for all who need them.
What is Period Poverty?
Period poverty refers not only to the inability to afford menstrual products but also to the lack of education, clean facilities, and supportive policies, which can prevent women and girls from participating fully in school, work, sporting activities and daily life. Studies show that two in five women who menstruate struggle to afford period supplies.
Globally, over 500 million women and girls experience period poverty.
Period Poverty in T&T
A study conducted approximately two years ago, revealed that 68 per cent of women in T&T were unable to attend either work or school because of their period.
It further highlighted that on average; women skipped approximately three days of work or school due to their periods.
Although the loss of income due to menstrual problems was not measured in in the study, we ask you to consider that women for example daily-paid workers, may lose income for every day spent they are unable to report for work. This is particularly unfortunate considering the average of three (3) days home, an inevitable loss of income due to the inability to afford period products.
In addition to this, the study stated that more than half of the women in T&T participating in this exercise revealed that at some point in time they had to resort to using either toilet paper, napkins, or paper towels in place of sanitary supplies because of the exorbitant costs associated with these products and other income constraints.
How can you help?
TCU has partnered with i95.5FM's Tamika to enable the distribution of menstrual products to girls and women who need it the most.
Many of these women, come from challenging backgrounds, stigmatized communities and they too, deserve a chance to thrive despite their life's circumstances.
We invite you to join us by doing one or more of the following:
- Pledge your Support each month - to donate a "Drop Off" Item or a for a monetary contribution of a minimum of TTD$50.00 to assist with the purchase of supplies. Visit our office to sign a Pledge Form today.
- Donate When you Can - TCU will be placing a "Drop Box" at our Head Office for receipt of menstrual supplies. This box will be accessible during business hours, and acceptable items include "Fragrance Free":
- Sanitary Napkins (Pads)
- Tampons
- Liners
- Flushable Wipes
- Other Menstrual Products (Cups, Discs etc.)
For further information or to discuss alternative ways to help, feel free to connect with the Marketing Team using WhatsApp message at 432-2318 or call us at 235-8130 extensions 311, 312.
We thank you in advance for joining hands with us as we work together to support young women and girls in the achievement of their dreams.
Sincerely,
TRANQUILLITY CREDIT UNION
