An Ecofriendly Approach to Menstrual Education in Galápagos

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Carolina Carrión in a menstrual education workshop

Carolina Carrión in a menstrual education workshop © Galápagos Conservancy

Many women don’t know how to manage menstruation, despite the fact that it is an integral part of every woman’s life. Carolina Carrion Cortez from Galapagos, a citizen of the Galapagos, created a program on menstrual education that focused on women’s health and conservation.

Carolina’s educational program was launched on May 20,22. It is targeted at Santa Cruz Island girls aged 11 and 12. Many Galapagos women grew up believing that menstruation is associated with shame, limitation, or disease. Red Coral, a Campaign was created as part of the project with the help of experts from Red in Red Citizen’s Collective. This group of women is dedicated to education and menstrual health. The workshops offer detailed and precise information about managing menstruation.

Carolina spoke on the Galapagos Conservancy radio show. She stated that the initiative includes a sustainability component. This raises awareness about the fact that disposable menstrual pads and tampons are toxic to the environment. Reusable menstrual management products are very environmentally friendly and help women’s health.

This project will help girls to understand that menstruation does not have to be shameful.

Gabriela Vivas (Director of Operations at Galapagos Conservancy) commended Carolina’s initiative. She stated that stigmatization and taboos around menstruation have made it difficult for women to be educated, healthy, and happy. Menstrual education should be accessible to all.

Santa Cruz’s two public schools are involved in the project, which aims to reduce the stigma associated with menstruation. Around 200 people have benefited from the project, including 90 young girls and 13 teachers as well as their parents.

We hope to reach all Galapagos schools and colleges through this campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable menstrual management products and biodegradable materials. Carolina stated, “I am passionately committed to helping our girls live their menarche naturally. This will allow them to explore this new phase in their lives with a more respectful perspective of their bodies.

Galapagos Conservancy commends Carolina for her efforts to address issues related to menstrual health from an environmental perspective. Carolina’s holistic approach prepares young girls for a new stage in their lives and examines the environmental impact of menstrual product.

Carolina Carrión in a menstrual education workshop

Carolina Carrión in a menstrual education workshop © Galápagos Conservancy