Menstrual Poverty Combat Campaign: An Extension Project

Introduction: Menstrual poverty refers to the lack of proper menstrual hygiene conditions due to the absence of basic items such as sanitary pads, limited access to infrastructure and sanitation services, as well as a lack of information and knowledge on the subject. Thus, the menstrual poverty campaign aims to change this reality faced by underprivileged women in the municipality of Catanduva. Objectives: To promote the dignity of access to basic hygiene conditions, empower women with information access, and raise awareness within society about this public health issue. Methods: Sanitary pads will be collected during a training event led by a gynecologist. Distribution will occur over the course of a week in schools and social assistance reference centers (CRAS) in the municipality of Catanduva. Simultaneously, there will be dialogues and the provision of informative materials, empowering women by providing information on topics such as menstruation, its process, female anatomy, contraceptive use, intimate hygiene care, and the deconstruction of fears and taboos prevalent in the daily lives of these women. Results: This campaign aims to highlight that menstrual poverty is a matter of public health and is linked to women's lack of confidence and information. It is expected that the informative discussions led by students will empower women, and the donation of sanitary pads will provide them with dignity. Issues like missing school due to the lack of basic hygiene items and their substitution with toilet paper, old clothes, or similar alternatives are expected to be addressed within the campaign's scope. Conclusion:The lack of infrastructure and basic hygiene items has a significant impact on the daily lives of women, often preventing them from attending school and work, thereby hindering socialization. This is exacerbated by the naturalization gap in society regarding menstruation. Therefore, the menstrual poverty solidarity campaign seeks not only to shed light on the issue, revealing a deficiency in public policies aimed at safeguarding basic rights, but also to actively work towards changing the reality faced by these women.