We applied for this project to address the pressing issues of menstrual health, period poverty, and the taboos surrounding menstruation in local communities and partner countries. We recognized the need to raise awareness and promote open discussions on these topics, particularly to combat menstrual exclusion. By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges locally and nationally, we aimed to break down barriers and reduce stigmas related to menstruation. Another key need was supporting marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, refugees, Roma, and homeless individuals, who often face limited access to menstrual health care. Additionally, we saw the necessity of enhancing the skills of youth workers to better support young people confronting gender and economic inequalities tied to menstruation. Through the development of an online guide in multiple languages, we sought to provide practical resources while promoting gender equality and creating lasting change. Ultimately, the project aimed to foster global cooperation and empower youth and youth workers to tackle these critical issues.
The "Empowerment through Menstrual Health Education" project aimed to address period poverty, break menstrual taboos, and promote education about menstrual health, focusing on social and economic challenges faced by menstruating individuals in Poland, Spain, and Lithuania. Period poverty, defined as the lack of access to basic hygiene products, affected many, particularly marginalized groups such as individuals with disabilities, refugees, and Roma communities. The project also aimed to tackle the stigma around menstruation, which leads to silence, misinformation, and a lack of public discussion. The goal was to provide education and engage youth and youth workers in social campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for systemic change. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring equal access to knowledge and resources for marginalized groups. Through collaboration among partners from three countries, the project enabled the exchange of experiences and best practices between youth and organizations. These efforts were intended to combat menstrual exclusion and promote menstrual health sustainably, both locally and globally.