Having the necessary implements to be able to hygienically cope with their menstrual cycles is unfortunately not a reality for all women and people with menstruating capacity in the country.
In fact, according to the study of the National Consumer Service (Sernac), Menstrual Management in hypervulnerable population, those who are deprived of liberty, in a street situation or live in camps, are exposed to situations that can affect their health.
According to the study, 37% of those who are homeless have products for every day that their cycle lasts, the figure rises to 48% when it comes to prisoners and 83% for those living in camps.
Regarding prisoners, the study indicates that the main way to obtain products for menstruation is through family visits or friends (41%), followed by purchases at the kiosk inside the prison (26%) and by exchange of products (22%).
Another aspect that must be met so that a person can have a dignified menstruation is to have adequate infrastructure that allows privacy. In this sense, only 25% of the inmates surveyed said they felt privacy when using the bathroom.
“It is necessary to mention that the bathrooms are not available 24 hours a day and that many of the inmates must change their products in the same bedrooms, being in the presence of their cellmates,” the report highlights.
On the side of those who are in a street situation, it is highlighted that women and people with menstruating capacity must access other types of elements, which are often unhygienic and can expose them to infections or diseases.
“Given the conditions of vulnerability, where economic income is scarce, the use of other types of products arises, which were not designed to manage menstruation. The use of cloths is mainly highlighted, followed by toilet paper, diapers, masks and clothing”.
In another line, about physical discomforts associated with their period, 60% of those who are homeless, feel extreme pain during menstruation.
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