2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

The program allowed the target population to express their experiences and become more comfortable with their bodies. The workshops revealed a lack of knowledge about the menstrual cycle and a superficial understanding of menstrual health, often influenced by advertisements. Although initial participation showed embarrassment, especially when handling products like menstrual cups, reusable underwear, and cloth pads, the dialogue and clarifications helped address taboos.

Reflections on identity diversity were addressed, such as the understanding that not all people who menstruate are women, and myths about menstrual cups and sexuality, revealing significant concerns. Additionally, issues like severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and recurrent urinary infections were identified, highlighting the need for gynecological check-ups, reinforcing the educational impact of the program and its contribution to raising awareness and empowering participants.

Another highlight of the program's success is that in the 2024 Participatory Budget, one of the proposals put forward by residents was the purchase of reusable pads and menstrual cups, and another was to place dispensers in strategic locations to facilitate access to menstrual hygiene products.

Finally, here are the results from the 2024 program: 123 menstrual health workshops delivered, 64 workshops held, 1800 participants enrolled. But beyond the numbers, the program's impact lies in the transformation of a society that is beginning to openly discuss menstruation, shedding historical shame and empowering its citizens. It is a commitment to equality, sustainability, and dignity, paving the way toward a future where menstruation is no longer a taboo but a symbol of rights gained.

• http://www.moron.gob.ar/nuestra-gestion/genero/ (External link)
• Certificate Call for Best Practices for Local Gender Policies, Mercociudades (External link)