Girl Up Brasil Launches Menstrual Health Almanac for Adolescents
New educational resource addresses menstrual stigma, physical pain, and the prevention of menstrual violence.
1Comprehensive Educational Resource
Girl Up Brasil released the 'Almanaque de Saúde Menstrual' in late October to support adolescents navigating their first period. The 200-page guide provides practical strategies for managing physical and emotional pain, includes a menstrual diary for self-knowledge, and offers advice on how to initiate vital conversations within schools and families.
2Collaborative Research Foundation
The almanac was developed through extensive research involving 200 adolescents from across Brazil. Experts, including gynecologists, psychologists, and pelvic physiotherapists, were interviewed to ensure the content is medically accurate and relevant. This collaborative approach aimed to address the specific gaps in knowledge and support that young people currently face.
3Addressing Menstrual Violence
The publication introduces the concept of menstrual violence, defined as the denial of care, lack of clear information, and the dismissal of pain by medical professionals. This systemic issue often leads to delayed diagnoses for conditions like endometriosis, which can take over a decade to identify due to minimized patient complaints.
4Impact on School Attendance
Research indicates that menstrual symptoms significantly disrupt education in Brazil. Data shows that four out of ten students miss classes monthly due to menstrual pain, affecting approximately 3.6 million girls nationwide. Among those who miss school, 16 percent lose between two and five days of instruction every single month.
5Combating Early Adultification
The almanac challenges the societal myth that menstruation equates to immediate readiness for pregnancy or adulthood. By emphasizing that a girl remains a child even after menarche, the project combats the sexualization of young girls. It advocates for the right of adolescents to continue their childhood despite biological changes.
6Advocacy and Social Impact
Girl Up Brasil is a movement that has supported over 2,500 girls through 250 clubs across all Brazilian states. Their advocacy work has contributed to the creation of more than 50 legislative bills. These initiatives have already impacted over 18 million people, focusing on social justice and gender equality nationwide.
7Clinical and Social Context
While the average age of menarche in Brazil is 12.5 years, many girls begin menstruating as early as eight or eleven. The organization highlights that this age range coincides with a peak in gender-based violence, making the provision of accurate information and emotional support a critical tool for protection.
8Future Implications for Health
By providing accessible, youth-oriented language, the almanac aims to normalize menstrual health discussions that are often neglected in medical consultations. The project serves as a model for integrating peer-led research into public health initiatives, ensuring that adolescents are empowered to advocate for their own bodily autonomy and medical needs.
Original article: Agência Brasil — Girl Up Brasil Launches Menstrual Health Almanac for Adolescents