Protagonists of Change: Breaking the Silence for Menstrual Dignity
November 4, 2025
Community Report: From Suffering in Silence to Turning Need into Empowerment, by Ángeles and Ruth, from Paraguay
The conversation around menstruation in our country has evolved significantly. While younger generations have adopted a more open mindset—largely overcoming the taboo that still persists among older people who see it as a “women-only topic”—a crucial challenge continues to affect the dignity and well-being of many: menstrual poverty.
The Silent Challenge: Beyond the Taboo, the Economic Barrier
It is an unfortunate reality that menstruation does not always come with the tools needed to manage it safely and comfortably. Many women and girls, especially those with limited financial resources, do not have guaranteed access to menstrual hygiene products each month.
The problem is made worse by a lack of knowledge. Most people are only familiar with disposable pads, which are not the most sustainable or affordable option in the long run. This lack of access and awareness of alternatives can lead to discomfort, insecurity, and even health problems.
A clear message has emerged from the community: if we organize donation drives for clothes, food, or money, why not also include menstrual dignity? This is a basic need that must be addressed urgently and with education.
For Ángeles, community workshops transformed how she thinks and talks about menstrual dignity.
Solutions in Action: Education and Empowerment in Coronel Oviedo
Faced with this need, the community responded with concrete and positive actions. In mid-May 2024, a group of mentors, together with a GLOW girl inspired by her own transformative experience, held a Menstrual Hygiene Workshop at San Pedro School.
The session, aimed at students from 5th to 8th grade, focused on comprehensive education:
- Knowledge and Understanding: The girls learned about the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, and self-care tips.
- Breaking Myths: They were taught that menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of.
- Exploring Options: They discovered that there are multiple, more accessible and sustainable alternatives to disposable pads, such as menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads.
- Donations: Following the workshop, five public schools in the city received menstrual hygiene kits for their students.
Support from the State: Legal Backing for Menstrual Dignity
It is important to highlight that these community initiatives align with Paraguay’s legal framework. Law No. 6993 on the Free Provision of Menstrual Management Products, enacted in 2022, guarantees free and progressive access to menstrual products and promotes menstrual education in public institutions. Community-led efforts like these workshops directly contribute to fulfilling the goals of this law, ensuring that the right to menstrual dignity is realized from the ground up.
This experience became an act of empowerment. The participants were enthusiastic and engaged, confirming that the goal was being achieved: to create an environment of trust and safety. As the organizers put it, “Talking about menstruation is talking about what happens to us.”
Education and awareness are qualities that guide Ruth as she works to empower girls in her community.
A Call for Dignity: All Women as Protagonists of Change
The workshop marked a monumental step in the growth of the women of Coronel Oviedo, creating a positive impact that goes far beyond a biological fact. It showed that the solution to menstrual poverty is not only economic, but also educational and community-driven.
We call on organizations and society as a whole to:
- Include Menstrual Products: Ensure that menstrual hygiene kits and reusable alternatives are part of community aid efforts.
- Promote Education: Support initiatives that raise awareness of accessible options and dismantle harmful myths.
By investing in menstrual dignity, we invest in the health, safety, and empowerment of all women and girls.
Global Girls Glow mentors girls around the world to become powerful advocates and confident leaders. Since inception, our GLOW Clubs have ignited the power of over 91,000 girls to do 3 transformative things: increase their confidence, strengthen their voice, and build their power. You can support powerful advocates and confident leaders like Ángeles and Ruth at globalgirlsglow.org/donate.
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