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Menstruation and Shame Keep 1 in 5 Teens Out of School in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru /Culture & Society

Menstruation and Shame Keep 1 in 5 Teens Out of School in Peru

From La República · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Stigma and lack of information surrounding menstruation cause significant absenteeism among adolescent girls in Peru, with nearly one in five missing school due to period-related issues.
  • A survey revealed disparities in menstrual health knowledge, with only 21.2% of adolescents in Piura possessing adequate understanding compared to 42.4% in Lima.
  • Initiatives like the 'Nuevas Reglas' project aim to address these issues through education, improved school facilities, and access to menstrual hygiene products.

Menstruation continues to be shrouded in stigma and taboo in Peru, leading to profound consequences for adolescent girls' education. The alarming statistic that one in five menstruating adolescents has missed school due to period-related reasons underscores a critical public health and education crisis. This isn't just about missed classes; it's about the deep-seated shame and insecurity that prevents girls from fully participating in their education.

One in five menstruating adolescents reported having missed school due to causes related to menstruation.

— Survey commissioned by Plan InternationalQuantifying the impact of menstruation on school attendance in Peru.

The 'Nuevas Reglas' project highlights the multifaceted nature of this problem. It points to a lack of open dialogue within families, insufficient training for educators, persistent societal stigmas, inadequate school infrastructure lacking safe spaces and hygiene supplies, and a general disconnect between various institutional actors. These barriers collectively reinforce the embarrassment and hinder girls' school attendance and overall well-being.

In Lima, 42.4% of girls and adolescents demonstrated adequate knowledge about menstruation, while in Piura the figure barely reached 21.2%.

— Survey by Clio ConsultingHighlighting the significant gap in menstrual health education between two regions in Peru.

From a Peruvian perspective, this issue touches upon deeply ingrained cultural norms and the urgent need for comprehensive sex education. While international organizations like Plan International are bringing attention and resources, the challenge lies in implementing sustainable solutions that resonate within local communities. The disparity in knowledge between Lima and Piura, for instance, shows the need for context-specific approaches.

It is essential that their environment has the knowledge and follows positive attitudes on the subject so that they can dialogue with them naturally and respectfully.

— Stephania LozanoCoordinator of the 'Nuevas Reglas' project, emphasizing the need for supportive communication.

Western media often frames such issues through a lens of women's rights and public health. However, in Peru, it's also about challenging deeply entrenched cultural beliefs and ensuring that girls are not penalized for a natural biological process. The 'Nuevas Reglas' project, with its focus on teacher training, adolescent leadership, and improved facilities, represents a vital step towards creating a more supportive and informed environment for young women, allowing them to pursue their education with dignity.

No girl or adolescent should feel ashamed or afraid for experiencing a natural process like menstruation.

— Milovan BojovicBrand manager for the Andes region, advocating against menstrual stigma.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La República in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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