GAT, AHF and MANAS mark Menstrual Health Day with outreach action in Lisbon

To mark International Menstrual Health Day, celebrated on May 28, GAT, in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), MANAS and the Lisboa Invisível project, promoted a street action with the distribution of menstrual health kits in Lisbon. The initiative was also supported by APF Lisboa and Oblatas Portugal.

The first activity, which took place on May 22 at the Disgraça space, promoted a sharing and awareness-raising session led by MANAS, ending with an assembly line for the kits to be distributed the following week. On the 28th, teams from the partner organizations were at various points in the city, directly approaching homeless people, migrants and other vulnerable populations. Menstrual cups, pads and intimate health wipes were distributed - essential products to guarantee the well-being and dignity of those who menstruate.

The action was promoted by the GAT and is part of AHF's global efforts to combat menstrual precariousness and strengthen the link between menstrual health, sexual and reproductive rights and HIV prevention. “Lack of access to adequate menstrual products compromises physical and emotional health, and perpetuates inequalities that disproportionately affect those who already live in situations of vulnerability,” say the organizations involved.

Globally, almost 2 billion people menstruate. However, 500 million live in menstrual precariousness - without access to products, safe infrastructure and welcoming communities. This precariousness can affect mental health and limit access to essential care. Information is essential to ensure the right to health. To this end, in partnership with APF Lisboa and the Oblate Sisters Portugal, an information session on menstrual health was held with the MANAS and users of GAT IN Mouraria.

With this action, GAT, AHF and their partners reaffirm their commitment to fighting inequality and stigma associated with menstruation, promoting menstrual equity as part of an intersectional response to health and human rights.