2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

Itanhaém City Hall, in São Paulo, concerned about female school dropouts, especially during the menstrual period, created the “Health Promotion to Combat School Dropouts” project. The 12-month pilot project involved 500 socially vulnerable teenagers aged between 13 and 17. Physical activities and talks on nutrition were offered to promote healthy habits, as well as laboratory tests, ultrasounds and medical consultations for individualized health monitoring. Conversations with health and educational specialists addressed issues related to menstrual health and hygiene, raising awareness among the students. The methodology included data analysis, mapping and screening of students for specific interventions. The project involved the participation of the community and an intersectoral team made up of members of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, the Department of Government and the Department of Health.

As a result, the project had a positive impact on the students' lives, with a reduction in school drop-outs and an improvement in their quality of life. In addition, it contributed to the inclusion of menstrual health on the municipal agenda and strengthened participatory democracy. The practice was evaluated using quantitative indicators of care and interventionist research with the adolescents, allowing progress to be monitored and ensuring alignment with the objectives. Despite the challenges of maintaining long-term sustainability due to a lack of financial resources, the “Health Promotion to Combat School Dropouts” project demonstrates the commitment of Itanhaém City Hall to promoting the health and well-being of schoolgirls, ensuring that menstruation is not an obstacle to their educational and personal development.

• https://www2.itanhaem.sp.gov.br/ (External link)
• Video (External link)