Understanding Menstrual Challenges and Their Global Impact
At this very moment, approximately 300 million women around the world are menstruating. Menstruation is a natural biological process. However, despite its universality, it remains a topic surrounded by taboos and misinformation, leading to menstrual poverty and negatively affecting the lives of girls, adolescents, and women.
Globally, it is estimated that 500 million women and girls lack adequate facilities to manage their menstrual hygiene needs. Menstrual poverty has significant consequences on their lives. In Panama, according to data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), two out of every five girls who menstruate stop attending school due to a lack of access to necessary menstrual hygiene products.
This recurring absence can result in academic setbacks and, in extreme cases, school dropout, limiting young women’s personal and professional development opportunities. This issue not only impacts physical health but also perpetuates gender inequality by restricting women’s full participation in society.
The Role of Sustainable Menstrual Education
Sustainable menstrual education emerges as a key strategy to empower women, enabling them to transform their lives by understanding and properly managing their menstrual cycle, particularly by adopting reusable products.
Many women reports having received little to no information about menstruation—I count myself among them. The menstrual education I received was minimal, and had I been provided with more resources, I might have navigated this experience with less embarrassment and discomfort.
Sustainable menstrual education goes beyond proper cycle management; it also promotes the use of reusable products such as menstrual cups and reusable cotton pads. These products offer multiple benefits:
- Economic: While the initial investment may be higher, in the long run, they prove to be more cost-effective than disposable products due to their long lifespan.
- Environmental: Traditional pads and tampons take approximately 500 years to decompose, contributing significantly to environmental waste.
- Health: Reusable products reduce the risk of irritation and infections associated with prolonged use of disposable items.
Commitment to Education and Sustainable Solutions
I am deeply committed to education because I understand that by informing girls and women about these options, we empower them to make informed decisions that benefit their health, finances, and environment. The adoption of reusable menstrual products, supported by proper education, has a transformative impact on their lives:
- Empowerment: Understanding their menstrual cycle and having access to sustainable options boosts women’s confidence and autonomy.
- Reduced School Absenteeism: Access to appropriate products decreases the need to miss school during menstruation, improving academic performance.
- Community Development: Menstrual education fosters open discussions, breaking taboos and strengthening social cohesion.
Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
In Panama, various organizations are working to improve menstrual education and promote the use of sustainable products. These initiatives do more than distribute products; they educate, dismantle myths, and empower women to make informed decisions about their menstrual health. Such efforts initiate conversations that gradually reduce societal taboos.
Despite significant progress, several challenges remain:
- Stigmatization: Cultural taboos hinder open discussions about menstruation.
- Limited Access: In rural areas, the availability of reusable menstrual products and proper sanitary infrastructure remains inadequate.
- Insufficient Education: The lack of comprehensive menstrual health education in school curricula perpetuates misinformation.
However, these challenges present opportunities for action:
- Public Policies: Implementing policies that ensure menstrual education in schools and access to sustainable products.
- Strategic Alliances: Collaborating across public, private, and non-governmental sectors to expand the reach of these initiatives.
- Social Innovation: Developing creative solutions to address cultural and logistical barriers in menstrual management.
Conclusion
Sustainable menstrual education is essential for empowering girls, adolescents, and women while fostering equitable societies. In Panama, although challenges persist, ongoing initiatives demonstrate the transformative potential of education and access to proper menstrual care tools. By continuing to promote education and the adoption of reusable menstrual products, we take steps toward a more informed, healthy, and sustainable society.
About the Author – Vanessa Ramírez
I am Vanessa Ramírez, a graduate of the National and Technological University of Panama. As a professional and entrepreneur with extensive experience in Finance, Marketing, and Leadership, I have had the privilege of making a positive impact through my work as the CEO of Amapola. Through our conscious and eco-friendly reusable menstrual hygiene products, we have empowered thousands of women.
As a result, I have built a community of over 17,000 women with a shared goal—to better understand their bodies and menstruation. We have established partnerships with various organizations and NGOs in the country. In 2025, we are launching a school tour to educate young girls about menstruation and provide them with access to sustainable and healthy menstrual products.
With over 10 years of entrepreneurial experience, I have learned that educating people about the problem we aim to solve is key to offering valuable solutions. I am committed to transforming lives with products that not only add value but also promote sustainability!
