Our objectives for the project were: The overall objectives of the project are: - to increase the internal capacity of the 8 partners - to create a cohesive suite of training resources on menstruation and sustainability that builds upon the work done to date in the field, incorporates elements found to be the most effective in existing programs, and scaled up for use on an EU level - to raise awareness of single use plastic waste from menstruation in line with the legislative requirements set down by the Single Use Plastics Directive (2019) with the aim of reducing plastic waste - to support the move from a linear to circular economy in line with EU aims under the Circular Economy Action Plan (2020), one of the main building blocks of the European Green Deal - establish national contexts for menstruation education across Europe to ensure the training course developed achieves the appropriate tone when conveying information on menstruation - to combat period poverty and promote gender equality in line with the right to adequate menstrual health and education
We applied for this project because: - many women and gender‑diverse people still lack affordable, sustainable menstrual options, which directly affects their dignity, health, and participation in society. - education is one of the most effective tools for breaking this cycle—yet high‑quality, accessible menstrual education is inconsistent across EU countries. - we wanted to create a project that aligns with the European Pillar of Social Rights, especially in the areas of gender equality, equal opportunities, education, and health. - we identified a chance to make a practical, measurable impact by empowering youth leaders and communities with knowledge they can immediately use. What needs we addressed: Period poverty creates economic, educational, environmental and gender‑equality needs. Many cannot afford menstrual products, and awareness of low‑cost reusable options is low. Menstrual education is also inconsistent across the EU, which limits informed choice. Commonly used disposable products generate major plastic waste and have health impacts that most are not aware of. Without this knowledge gender equality cannot be realised. The project also supports EU requirements for awareness‑raising on sustainable menstrual products.