CycleLink: Bridging SRHR Gaps

Menstrual Poverty

Menstruation is a natural, healthy, and inevitable aspect of life for the vast majority of women and menstruators. Yet, it remains a neglected and stigmatized topic. It is estimated that there are 1.8 billion women and menstruators worldwide and just right now, 800 million people around the world are menstruating, and many try to conceal the evidence of bleeding or struggle to find sanitary supplies.

In Mexico, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), there are 63,356,944 women, representing 50% of the total population of the country. Women between the ages of 10 and 54 make up nearly 60% of this population, According to CONEVAL, in 2020, in Mexico, 29.1 million women live in poverty, which is 44.4% of all women. If we take 60% of this population, it amounts to 7,725,600 women experiencing their periods under conditions of poverty.

Just in the state of Querétaro, home to roughly 308,900 women living in poverty, menstrual poverty rears its head, exacerbating the lack of access to appropriate menstrual management resources. 

Menstrual poverty stigmatizes, diminishes, and affects women's sexual and reproductive human rights by undermining their dignity, health, access to education and employment, and their ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. The lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene supplies and services not only increases the risk of infections but also can hinder the monitoring of reproductive health, such as fertility control and the detection of gynecological issues.

The lack of open discussion and education about menstruation can lead to misinformation and ignorance about crucial SRHR topics. Using inadequate methods such as rags or unsafe materials increases the risk of infections and other health issues. Insufficient menstrual hygiene can also cause physical and emotional discomfort, affecting women's overall well-being.

The lack of knowledge about normal and abnormal menstrual symptoms can lead women to delay seeking medical attention for potential reproductive health issues, such as menstrual irregularities or gynecological conditions. Without an understanding of their menstrual health, women are not equipped to make informed decisions about family planning, contraception, and prenatal care. They are unable to choose contraceptive methods that align with their needs and personal goals and participate more actively in managing their reproductive health and they may become overly dependent on others or institutions for crucial decision-making which can result in exclusion and also contributes to gender-based violence.

This initiative is dedicated to empowering women and menstruators in the most vulnerable communities across the 18 municipalities of Queretaro, Mexico, which are enduring menstrual poverty, by providing them with comprehensive menstrual health education. In a setting where existing healthcare solutions often fall short, especially in rural areas, leveraging menstrual cycle knowledge, facilitates better-informed healthcare decisions and empowers individuals with an understanding of their own bodies

We conduct educational sessions that equip these women and menstruators with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their menstrual health confidently and with dignity. Our approach includes the distribution of physical calendars for tracking menstrual symptoms. Additionally, we provide menstrual hygiene kits and a manual of menstrual education, fostering a sense of self-assuredness and capability among these women. This is especially important in communities where health decisions are often influenced by cultural and social factors. Women could make informed decisions about their menstrual hygiene and sexual and reproductive health.

We seek to facilitate effective symptom tracking through interactive calendars, by providing physical tools for recording menstrual symptoms, we empower women to recognize patterns, identify potential health issues, and communicate more knowledgeably with healthcare providers, also providing menstrual management kits with menstrual hygiene products is essential to ensure a dignified and healthy menstruation. This reduces the risk of infections and promotes comfort and well-being during menstruation. The manual would provide detailed information on the menstrual cycle, normal and abnormal menstrual symptoms, proper menstrual hygiene, and menstruation management. This would allow women to better understand their own bodies and menstrual cycle, which is essential for making informed decisions about their menstrual and reproductive health.

Educating women and menstruators on the importance of understanding their menstrual cycle, forms the foundation for informed decision-making regarding their sexual and reproductive health. By involving women in symptom tracking and menstrual health management, they are encouraged to take an active role in their well-being, extending to other aspects of sexual and reproductive health.

 This initiative not only helps reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation and sexual/reproductive health but also fosters a more open and accessible environment for seeking SRHR services. Increased awareness of menstrual health equips women to make informed decisions about family planning, contraception, and prenatal care, promoting autonomy and active participation in reproductive health management. Understanding the menstrual cycle aids in the early detection of unusual changes or reproductive health issues, facilitating prompt medical attention and problem prevention. 

Eliminating stigma around menstruation and SRHR enables women to feel more secure and open in seeking information and medical care when needed, especially in communities with taboos and stigmas. Ultimately, menstrual health knowledge and management empower women to advocate for their overall well-being, instilling confidence in seeking timely and effective sexual and reproductive health services.

By addressing these areas, the initiative becomes a significant contributor to improving the SRHR outcomes of young women and menstruators and overcoming the root causes of barriers often hindering SRHR care.

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The initiative serves vulnerable communities in the state of Querétaro, particularly those identified by the Secretary of Social Development as experiencing food shortages. While there might not be specific statistics regarding the exercise of sexual and reproductive health rights or access to menstrual management products, we've made correlations with certain indicators to identify the most underserved communities. If there are food shortages or water unavailability in these communities for example, it's likely that other critical needs exist, such as menstrual poverty and barriers to the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights

Our visits to these communities involve providing donations of menstrual management products collected through various partnerships and private donations. Additionally, we dedicate time to providing training on sexual and reproductive health, with a primary focus on the menstrual cycle. The impact on the lives of the women and menstruators we visit is significant. When we make these deliveries and provide training, we see a reduction in instances of mockery and the elimination of stigma surrounding menstruation. We also support better menstrual management by fostering a sense of community and providing alternatives and knowledge.

The target population we work with experiences substantial improvements because menstruation is a monthly process that spans approximately 40 years of a woman's life. For those living in poverty, it can hinder their access to education, decent employment, and the exercise of their sexual and reproductive rights. Understanding the menstrual cycle is fundamental for sexual autonomy and the ability to make informed decisions about reproduction. It also helps in detecting other health issues.

In addition to the above, the initiative strives to address the specific needs of these underserved communities by promoting menstrual health awareness and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. By reducing the stigma surrounding menstruation and providing access to menstrual management resources, the initiative aims to improve the overall well-being and autonomy of the target population. It also seeks to collaborate with local authorities and organizations to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that more underserved communities can benefit from its services and support

Colectiva MenstruAcción Querétaro

Our team, composed of women aged 20 to 23, includes both university students and graduates with expertise in business, social sciences, and healthcare. We have been working on gender perspective initiatives for over five years and collaborate effectively to make the world a better place. All of us experience menstruation on a monthly basis, and our personal experiences have driven our commitment to this cause. 

We have firsthand knowledge of the challenges associated with menstruation, including discrimination, lack of information, and the societal taboos that surround the topic. We have faced the shame and stigma of exercising our sexual and reproductive rights. 

Over the past three years, we have worked diligently in a well-established collective, which is recognized in our state. We have received accolades, such as the Municipal Youth Award for our social impact and the highest recognition for humanistic leadership from Tec de Monterrey and FEMSA, both prestigious institutions in our country.

Our strategic planning underpins our work, and our network includes vital partnerships with key stakeholders, including the University of Querétaro, the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), UNHCR, Girl Up, UNDP, Municipal Youth Institutes, the Secretary of Youth, the Querétaro Women's Institute, the Secretary of Social Development, DIF, and local legislators. In 2022, a bill we initiated was passed by our collective and later approved by the state's Congress, making it a government requirement to emphasize menstrual management and hygiene throughout the state.

Our proximity to the communities we serve is another cornerstone of our approach. As women who menstruate and as individuals who have spent years directly engaging with these communities, we possess an intimate understanding of the challenges they face. This personal connection empowers us to design our solution effectively.

In our efforts to understand the needs of the communities we serve, we've embarked on journeys to all 18 municipalities in Querétaro, even the most remote communities in the Sierra Querétana. We've directly impacted over 3,000 women through our Menstrual Dignity project. We've engaged in conversations with these women, conducted surveys, collected feedback, delivered training workshops, and created educational materials, including a comprehensive Menstrual Dignity manual. Our aim is to empower women with knowledge about their bodies. Those who've interacted with us express their gratitude for our work and attest to the tangible benefits they've derived from the information, resources, and support we've provided.

We're proud of our most significant achievement, which is elevating this issue to the public agenda and making it a national priority. We maintain an ongoing dialogue with the communities we serve, continuously listening to their feedback and ideas. This community-driven approach ensures that we effectively address their specific needs, making our intervention more meaningful and impactful.

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More than 3,000 individuals

Over the past three years, our project has had a substantial impact on the lives of more than 3,000 individuals. We've achieved this through a consistent and multifaceted approach, conducting workshops, donations, training campaigns, and participating in various events such as forums, panel discussions, and presentations every week. We engage with the communities we serve daily to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Our project isn't confined to this current scope; it's designed to be replicable and is in a phase of continuous expansion. By adapting and growing, we aim to increase our reach and serve even more individuals in the future.

Our solution tackles a pressing issue in a novel and greatly improved manner. In the state of Querétaro, Mexico, and the communities we engage with, discussions about sexual and reproductive health and the menstrual cycle have never been addressed. The lack of access to information is astonishing, particularly in this day and age. Many communities are isolated from internet services and electricity, residing far from urbanized areas and the capital. Additionally, these vital topics are not part of school curricula, and educators lack training in these areas. It's remarkable that even women in their 70s have told us that this is the first time they can openly discuss and learn about this subject.

In locations where access to water and electricity is limited, and where many people cannot read or write, revisiting simple resources like interactive printed manuals and in-person training becomes essential. We provide an alternative, low-tech approach that can be just as effective, if not more so, in areas with limited connectivity and educational resources.

Moreover, we are concurrently developing a Notion toolkit that allows people from various regions, both in Mexico and worldwide, to replicate this initiative, considering their specific SRHR information, product, and service needs. By enabling others to adopt our approach, we aim to catalyze broader positive impacts in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Our initiative has the potential to transform the market in several ways. Firstly, during our educational brigades, we provide training to empower women to create their reusable cloth menstrual management products for personal use or income generation. This approach supports safer menstrual management, reduces the risk of infections, enhances self-esteem, and encourages women to make more informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive health. This could potentially alter the market by promoting the production and use of sustainable, reusable menstrual products, increasing access and affordability. Additionally, this approach can contribute to a reduction in the societal taboo around menstruation, fostering a more open and informed approach to menstrual health.

In terms of technology, our solution is not heavily reliant on new technologies, but rather it leverages an innovative use of existing tools, particularly in low-tech and offline scenarios. We employ interactive printed materials, face-to-face training, and community engagement to reach women who may not have access to the internet and online technologies. By focusing on these simple, effective tools, we can address the unique challenges in communities without extensive tech infrastructure.

Through these efforts, we believe that our initiative can create significant positive impacts on menstrual health and broader sexual and reproductive health, especially for those living in marginalized and underserved communities. This, in turn, can drive positive change in the broader field of menstrual health and women's health.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are aligned with our commitment to addressing menstrual health and promoting menstrual dignity in underserved communities. In the coming year, we aim to achieve the following. In the next year, we aspire to distribute our Menstrual Dignity manual, and menstrual cycle calendars, and provide training to reach a broader audience of women in Querétaro. We aim to expand the reach of our project to communities in San Luis Potosí, specifically in the Huasteca region, and to Celaya, Guanajuato, through strategic partnerships. In addition, we are working towards launching our toolkit, which will equip other young women with the tools and knowledge they need to develop their own Menstrual Dignity initiatives in their communities. This toolkit will serve as a valuable resource for expanding the impact of our initiative.

To achieve these goals, we rely on our established alliances, collaborations, and strategic planning. We also emphasize working on impactful ventures with women from the Otomí house in the San Idelfonso community in Amealco, Querétaro. This approach has the potential to improve their income, provide environmentally friendly menstrual management alternatives, and make a practical difference in areas where waste collection is limited, and disposable products are not readily available.

Our impact goals are rooted in the belief that menstruation should no longer be associated with fear, shame, or silence. We are dedicated to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality, health, and well-being. By promoting menstrual health and dignity, we contribute to the overarching mission of these global initiatives.

We recognize that addressing menstrual health is fundamental to achieving gender equality. When women and menstruators have access to information, resources, and support for menstrual health, it empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives, education, and reproductive health. This, in turn, contributes to broader gender equality goals outlined in the UN SDGs.

In particular, our work aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
2. Goal 4: Quality Education.
3. Goal 5: Gender Equality.
4. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
5. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

As we work towards our impact goals, we are committed to advancing the well-being and dignity of women and menstruators, ensuring that their menstruation is no longer a barrier to their health, education, or social and economic participation. This commitment resonates with the UNFPA's focus on promoting and improving menstrual health worldwide, contributing to the global efforts to achieve gender equality and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Our theory of change for Cycle Link is based on a holistic approach to addressing menstrual health and promoting menstrual dignity. The problem we aim to solve is the lack of access to menstrual health education, resources, and support in underserved communities, which leads to barriers in the health, education, and overall well-being of women and menstruators. 

Our solution focuses on empowering these individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstruation effectively, thereby creating a positive ripple effect in their lives.

Our Theory of Change:

Activities:

1. Educational Workshops: We conduct educational workshops in underserved communities, providing information on menstrual health, reproductive rights, and the menstrual cycle. We equip women and menstruators with a Menstrual Dignity manual, menstrual cycle calendars, and interactive training sessions.

2. Distribution of Menstrual Kits: Alongside education, we distribute menstrual kits containing hygiene products and reusable menstrual management alternatives, reducing reliance on unhygienic or inadequate alternatives.

3. Empowerment and Capacity Building: We empower women to make informed decisions about their health, education, and overall well-being by teaching them to track their menstrual cycles, detect anomalies, and understand their reproductive rights.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased Knowledge: Women and menstruators gain a comprehensive understanding of their menstrual health, reducing myths and misconceptions.

• Access to Hygiene Products: The distribution of menstrual kits ensures that they have access to hygienic and safe menstrual management solutions.

• Improved Confidence: Empowerment and capacity building lead to improved confidence in managing their menstrual health.

Longer-term Outcomes:

• Enhanced Health and Well-being: With improved menstrual health knowledge, women can detect anomalies early, seek timely medical attention, and reduce the risk of reproductive health issues.

• Education Retention: Enhanced menstrual health education means fewer school absences due to menstruation, contributing to higher education retention rates.

• Empowered Decision-making: Women and menstruators make informed choices about their reproductive health, contraceptive methods, and overall well-being.

• Reduced Stigma: Our efforts contribute to the elimination of menstrual stigma, fostering open discussions about menstruation and sexual and reproductive health.

Evidence Supporting Our Theory:

Our theory of change is underpinned by evidence from:

• Direct interactions with women and menstruators in underserved communities who have shared their experiences, needs, and the transformative impact of our initiative on their lives.

• Recognized global goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which underline the importance of gender equality, health and well-being, and education as fundamental to development.

• Impact evaluations and feedback from those who have participated in our workshops and used the resources we provide, highlight improvements in menstrual health knowledge and overall well-being.

6 full-time members

We have a core team of 6 full-time members, but we regularly collaborate with volunteers. Over the past 3 years, we've had support from more than 50 individuals

• Adriana González González - Partnerships & Communications Responsible
• Carol Estefanía Salas Castillo - Legislative, University, Public, and Private Sector Engagement
• Paulina González González - Community Manager and Marketing
• María José Villegas Martínez - Secretary and Treasurer
• Isabel Pérez García - Workshop Facilitator and Outreach to Vulnerable Communities
• Fernanda Arvizu Arroyo - Workshop Facilitator and Outreach to Vulnerable Communities

3 years

We started in November of 2020.

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is deeply ingrained in our organization's culture and practices. Diversity within our team is a cornerstone of our approach. While we are all young women in the same age range, we come from diverse backgrounds, including graduates from both public and private universities, with academic backgrounds spanning social sciences and business. This diversity extends to our individual interests and areas of expertise, which enriches our approach through intellectual diversity.

One of the key ways we ensure diversity, equity, and inclusivity is through our commitment to providing an inclusive space within our organization. We actively promote an environment where every team member's voice is valued, and decision-making processes are based on equitable contributions. We prioritize open dialogue, encouraging every team member to actively participate, share their unique perspectives, and ensure that their views are heard, acknowledged, and appreciated.

Our commitment to diversity extends to our collaborations and partnerships. We actively invite volunteers from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with us. By doing so, we create opportunities for people from various walks of life to engage in our initiatives and bring their unique skills and experiences to the table. This inclusive approach helps us ensure that our solutions are culturally sensitive and relevant to the diverse communities we aim to serve.

Furthermore, our team has received training in gender and human rights through various diploma programs and workshops. This training has equipped us with the knowledge and skills needed to create an inclusive environment and ensure our work is rooted in principles of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We continuously engage in learning and development to strengthen our understanding of these principles and apply them effectively in our work.

Our journey to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusivity is ongoing, with a commitment to adapt and evolve as we learn. It is our belief that by embracing these principles, we can create solutions that are more empathetic, respectful, and tailored to the unique needs of the communities we serve. Our approach reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse space that is driven by the mission to empower and uplift all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

It revolves around providing valuable support to women experiencing menstrual poverty who have lacked access to quality education, information about menstrual cycles, and the right menstrual management products. The products and services we offer to meet their needs include menstrual education workshops, a Menstrual Dignity manual, symptom-tracking calendars, essential menstrual management products, and empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive health.

We deliver these products and services through our community outreach initiatives, collaborating with various governmental, private, educational, and social institutions. Our goal is to empower these women by providing them with the knowledge and tools that have been missing from their lives.

The significance of our offerings lies in the fact that many of these women have never received comprehensive menstrual education or had access to adequate menstrual management products. Menstruation is a lifelong, recurring process, and being able to manage it properly is crucial for these women to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Our products and services address this fundamental need, contributing to improved health, dignity, and overall well-being for the women we serve.

Our current financial sustainability is achieved through a combination of sources. We've been fortunate to secure monetary awards through various competitions and grant opportunities, providing us with essential financial support to continue our work. We also collaborate with government institutions to conduct our menstrual health outreach programs, as they often engage with communities that align with our mission.

In the future, we plan to diversify our income streams to ensure financial stability. This includes actively seeking additional donations and grants to expand our initiatives. These contributions will help us continue our outreach efforts, develop educational materials, and provide essential menstrual management products to more women in need.

We recognize the importance of long-term sustainability, and our goal is to have our revenue streams cover our expected expenses, ensuring our work continues to positively impact the communities we serve. As we expand our reach and develop income-generating initiatives, we are committed to sustaining and scaling our efforts effectively.