The secondary school “Apolonio M. Avilés” in Saltillo has opened the first menstrual bathroom in the state of Coahuila.
This facility provides a dedicated space for students to manage their hygiene during their periods, with the goal of preventing menstruation from acting as a barrier to classroom attendance and academic performance.
The organization Proyecto Mujeres, which was invited to the inauguration, stated that this initiative promotes menstrual justice and seeks to reduce educational inequalities. The collective noted that creating these spaces allows students to experience their menstrual cycles with dignity.
The facility is designed to ensure that students can manage their periods privately, safely, and hygienically. It serves as an adaptation of existing sanitary infrastructure rather than a separate architectural wing.
Key features of the space include:
- Privacy and Security: The stalls are equipped with functional locks and lack wide gaps to ensure total privacy.
- Hygiene Access: The area provides constant access to clean running water, soap, and functional hand-washing stations.
- Waste Management: Each stall contains a lidded, pedal-operated bin for the discreet disposal of sanitary products.
- Convenience: The space includes hooks and shelves for personal items, as well as mirrors to facilitate personal grooming.
The implementation of these bathrooms in schools aims to combat several systemic issues that affect student attendance. Many adolescents miss school days due to a lack of adequate facilities or the necessary supplies to manage their periods.
By providing access to water, soap, and menstrual products, schools can also reduce the risk of urinary or reproductive tract infections caused by improper hygiene. The project reflects a growing movement to align school facilities with legal standards for "dignified menstruation," which advocate for free access to hygiene products and adapted sanitation in public educational institutions.
Why are these facilities considered necessary for schools?
They address the problem of student absenteeism caused by a lack of sanitary resources. By providing a secure and private environment, schools ensure that menstruation does not interfere with a student’s right to attend class.
Are these bathrooms different from standard toilets?
They are an adaptation of existing infrastructure. The focus is on ensuring specific functional requirements, such as privacy, the availability of disposal bins, and easy access to hygiene supplies.
How is the initiative supported?
The program aligns with broader legislative efforts to promote menstrual dignity. These reforms often mandate that public schools provide both the necessary infrastructure and free access to menstrual hygiene products.
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