Challenging the stigma that causes absence

Across Latin America, 1 in 4 girls regularly misses school during their period due to lack of access to period products and deeply rooted menstrual stigma. Periods are often not discussed at home, making it hard for girls to ask for support. Without reliable period care, many stay home to avoid leaks and shame. Repeated absence affects education and future opportunities.

As the new school year begins in Colombia, Somos Martina has launched a landmark initiative to address menstrual inequity at its root. Supported by the Vice Minister of Education, period underwear has been integrated directly into the official school uniform, allowing girls to attend school without fear or disruption during their period.

"I support this initiative. It is fundamental to talk about menstrual health in education in Colombia. It should be discussed from pre-school through to secondary school.”
Lucy Maritza Molina Acosta, Vice Minister of Education, Colombia

A fundamentally different approach 

School uniforms are mandatory in Colombia and have long promoted inclusion and equality in public education. The Period Uniform extends this principle to menstrual care.
Instead of relying on temporary distribution programs, the initiative builds on the existing school uniform system. By embedding period protection directly into the uniform, access becomes part of the system by design, not an added extra.

Normalizing period protection in schools

With the Period Uniform, schools add period underwear to their list of required items. This shift turns period protection into the standard. Because schools communicate this requirement directly to parents, girls no longer carry the burden of starting the conversation themselves, helping reduce stigma.

The model is designed to work at scale using existing uniform infrastructure. It is also cost-effective. Period underwear is more affordable than single-use products over time, and Somos Martina provides it to participating schools at cost, at a price comparable to regular underwear.

From pilot to nationwide adoption

The initiative launched in January at Institución Educativa Mayor de Mosquera and is now expanding to additional schools. An awareness campaign supports the rollout, including a dedicated website, an editorial by New York Times contributing journalist María F. Fitzgerald, and a short film directed by award winning filmmaker Claudia Barral. Together, they aim to shift how menstrual care is understood within education systems.

Why period underwear

Experts agree that period underwear is well suited for young girls. It is non-invasive, comfortable, and functions like everyday underwear, avoiding the irritation and health risks associated with other products. It provides up to 12 hours of protection, works for long school days, and lasts up to three years, making it a more affordable and environmentally sustainable option.

Dr. Laura Gil, gynecologist and reproductive rights advocate:  "Environmentally friendly, safe, and scalable. Integrating it into the school uniform guarantees every girl’s right to stay in the classroom.”

 

For women, by women

The initiative is supported by women and female-led institutions committed to menstrual dignity in education. The network includes educators from Institución Educativa Mayor de Mosquera, Fundación Poderosas Colombia, and Dr. Laura Gil, who provides medical and technical guidance. Public communication is shaped by journalist and editor María F. Fitzgerald, with documentation by film director Claudia Barral Magaz and women-led production company Demente. Visual storytelling is led by photographer Violeta Zambrano and illustrator Adriana Lozano.