Systemic Inequities Exacerbate Period Poverty Among Native Hawaiian University Students
Original framing: “Half of Native Hawaiian University of Hawaiʻi students experience period poverty, study reveals” — Phys.org
The original framing omits the historical context of period poverty in Native Hawaiian communities, the intersectional impacts of colonialism, racism, and sexism, and the importance of indigenous knowledge and perspectives in addressing this issue. Additionally, the narrative neglects to explore the structural causes of period poverty, such as inadequate access to healthcare and menstrual products, and the role of systemic inequities in perpetuating this issue.
High structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
The narrative is produced by Phys.org, a reputable science news outlet, for a general audience. However, the framing serves to obscure the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and structural racism on Native Hawaiian communities, while also neglecting the perspectives of indigenous women and girls.
Period poverty has a long history in Native Hawaiian communities, dating back to the colonization of Hawaii. The forced assimilation of Native Hawaiian women into Western cultural norms and the suppression of indigenous knowledge and practices have contributed to the perpetuation of this issue. By examining the historical context of period poverty, we can better understand the systemic inequities that underlie this issue.
The study highlights the importance of centering indigenous perspectives and knowledge in addressing period poverty.