Menstrual Dignity Program: find out if you are eligible!

Do you know the government program called Menstrual dignity?

The menstrual cycle is something that is part of the reproductive development process of the female body, and this situation is inherent to the body.

In short, the onset of the first menstruation occurs on average at 12 years of age, the so-called menarche, that is, the first menstruation.

This way, there will be more or less 38 to 40 menstrual cycles, with five days of flow until the day of the last menstruation, menopause.

Imagine the amount of pads used during that time.

In this context, this program comes as a solution that will bring more relief to these families, in such delicate moments.

Keep reading and we’ll talk more about this topic.

Menstrual dignity: what is it? 

The Federal Government developed the Menstrual Dignity Program, the aim of which is to raise awareness about the naturalness of the menstrual cycle and to offer free sanitary pads.

In this sense, this program enables free and continuous distribution to more than 24 million people, who are in a situation of critical vulnerability.

They are homeless women, enrolled in schools and with low income.

Menstruation, although it is something biological, natural and healthy, there are many people who do not have access to the bare minimum for their menstrual hygiene.

This ends up being the result of a lack of knowledge and the necessary infrastructure to live through this phase with dignity, called menstrual poverty.

In this way, people with low income, who are homeless or serving socio-educational measures, choose to manage their menstruation in inappropriate ways, such as: toilet paper, newspaper, pieces of cloth and even bread crumbs.

Program Menstrual Dignity: It’s not just about free pads, what else can help in this situation?

See other factors that can help women have dignity in all areas of the menstrual cycle:

Education  

Initially, there are many girls who do not go to school during this period, due to lack of knowledge and poor infrastructure in the most basic senses.

In other words, there are no suitable and equipped bathrooms to assist girls in this situation, not to mention that the environments do not offer safety in such situations.

These are places that, in addition to offering adequate security, must be clean, with soap and water available, toilet paper, among other products. 

All of this ends up generating concern, anxiety, and a lack of concentration to carry out physical activities and games, thus reducing socialization with other colleagues.

Therefore, it is worth highlighting that it is essential to invest in public policies that develop a suitable environment in public places, to be more welcoming, providing privacy, security and adequate hygiene.

Breaking taboos

Here, it is interesting to highlight that not talking about the subject ends up making it a big deal.

Therefore, phrases like: chico, in those days, among other phrases and euphemisms used, do not help at all, quite the opposite, they only make the situation worse and create taboos.

Therefore, it is necessary to talk about the subject, talk about how the body works during the menstrual period, and show good examples of how to deal with this situation.

Many women fear menstruation, feel fear, anxiety and have to deal with bullying and other embarrassing situations. Preparation in the family environment can help a lot in this process.

Menstrual Dignity Program: who is entitled to the benefit?

People entitled to the benefit are between 10 and 49 years old, and are in their fertile period.

As well, they must be registered in the CadÚnico (Single Registry for Social Programs).

However, it must still fit the following conditions:

• Enrolled in a public school and having a low income, in this case earning up to half the minimum wage;
• If you are in a situation of extreme vulnerability, with an income of no more than 218.00 reais;
• Being homeless.

How do I get the pads for free?

In short, free collection of pads can be done at any accredited pharmacy, Popular Pharmacy Program Brazil and be between 10 and 49 years old registered with CadÚnico.

This way, each person can take up to 40 units of sanitary pads to use during the 56-day menstrual cycle.

Additionally, the following documents will be required:

• Original document with photo and CPF number;
• Authorization of the Menstrual Dignity Program, available in the App My SUS Digital;
• The authorization must be on your cell phone or printed.

Remember, this document is valid for 180 days.

Conclusion

THE Menstrual Dignity Program, although it does not provide all the necessary dignity that women are entitled to, it is a good option for those who are in low-income situations or below that.

There are many women who still don't know about this program, so benefit from it and share it with others so that they can benefit too.