Pro Mujer Distributes More than 300 Menstrual Health Products to Rural Women in Mexico

Although menstruation is a natural part of life, cultural beliefs, gender inequality, and stigmatization have made it so that many women and girls are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified and healthy way that allows them to develop in conditions of equality without having to abandon school, work, or personal activities during their periods. 

Although deficiencies regarding menstrual hygiene affect all women and girls, the situation is even more acute for the most underserved groups. In Mexico, it is estimated that 4 out of every 10 women cannot access dignified menstruation due to poverty. 

According to the UN, poor women spend 2.5 times more on menstrual hygiene products. In Mexico, spending on sanitary napkins represents 1.3% of monthly household income in the lowest economic deciles (ENIGH, 2020).

Thanks to a partnership with the UPS Foundation and as part of our efforts to support dignified menstruation, Pro Mujer held a health fair in Tepich Carrillo, Yucatán, to deliver free menstrual products.

Women who attended the event also received valuable information about breast cancer, including support to conduct a breast self-exam. Women over 40 were offered the opportunity to schedule an appointment for a free mammogram at Salud Digna.

To ensure these women can access the mammogram, free transportation will be provided to the clinic location in Mérida and back again. 

Finally, in an effort to share knowledge about sexual and reproductive rights with Mexican girls and young women, we distributed copies of the book El brasier de mamá [Mom’s Bra]. Developed by Pro Mujer partners Fundación Alma and Avon, the book is a tool to share information and raise awareness among girls 10 years and older.

 It covers topics such as the process of diagnosing breast cancer, its treatment, and using self-exams for early detection.

The event was held as part of Pro Mujer’s health days in Southeast Mexico, a strategic region for the organization. 

Support from the UPS Foundation has also allowed us to promote equity and economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Mexico and Guatemala through the digital training platform Emprende Pro Mujer.

To learn more about this partnership, click here.