Saltillo, Coahuila – A new initiative launched by the civil organization “Proyecto Mujeres” in Saltillo is seeking to address a critical necessitate among adolescent girls in rural communities across southeastern Coahuila: access to essential hygiene products. The campaign aims to collect donations of sanitary pads, tampons, and soap to support students attending secondary schools in underserved areas, ensuring they can continue their education with dignity.
The need for this support was directly communicated by teachers in the region, highlighting the challenges faced by students and families struggling to afford these basic necessities. Access to menstrual hygiene products is increasingly recognized as a matter of public health and educational equity, with a lack of access potentially leading to school absenteeism and negative health consequences. Providing these resources aims to remove a barrier to education and promote the well-being of young women in Coahuila.
The donation drive will specifically benefit students at three secondary schools: “Juan Rulfo,” located in the ejido La Rosa in General Cepeda; “Patria y Libertad,” in the ejido San Ignacio, Ramos Arizpe; and “Nancy Cárdenas Mtz,” in the ejido 28 de Enero, Parras de la Fuente. Proyecto Mujeres hopes to distribute at least 500 to 700 pads to each school, calculating needs based on individual apply rather than package quantities, recognizing that a woman can use up to 18 pads per menstrual cycle, according to organizers.
“This year, we began this collection drive specifically targeting secondary schools in rural areas of Ramos Arizpe, General Cepeda, and Parras de la Fuente,” explained Paola Praga, a member of Proyecto Mujeres. “The reality is that the teachers themselves requested our support to carry out this collection.”
The organization is appealing to the community to contribute during the collection period, which runs from February 18th to February 28th. Donations can be coordinated through the Proyecto Mujeres Facebook page, where individuals can message the organization to arrange a convenient drop-off point. The goal is to provide three to six months of support for students in need, though any amount of donation will be gratefully accepted.
Addressing a Critical Need for Adolescent Health
The lack of access to menstrual hygiene products is a widespread issue, impacting adolescent girls’ education and overall health. Research indicates that period poverty – the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, waste management facilities, and handwashing facilities – can lead to school absenteeism, social stigma, and increased risk of infections. A 2021 study by Plan International USA found that nearly one in five American teenagers have struggled to afford period products, highlighting the prevalence of this issue even in developed countries. Whereas data specific to Coahuila is not readily available, the initiative by Proyecto Mujeres reflects a growing awareness of this challenge within the region.
Community Response and Ongoing Support
Proyecto Mujeres is relying on the generosity of the community to build this initiative a success. The organization emphasizes that every contribution, no matter how small, will directly benefit the students at these schools. The Facebook page serves as the primary point of contact for donations and coordination, allowing for a streamlined and accessible process for those wishing to participate.
The initiative builds on existing efforts to support women and girls in Coahuila. In March 2025, Governor Manolo Jiménez Salinas highlighted the state government’s commitment to the well-being, empowerment, and safety of women in Coahuila, coinciding with the inauguration of the sixth Center for Women’s Attention according to Radio Medios. The Coahuila Congress is currently considering 30 initiatives focused on women’s rights, including measures to combat vicarious and digital violence as reported by Noticias NRT.
Looking ahead, the success of this initial collection drive could pave the way for similar initiatives in other rural communities across Coahuila. The ongoing commitment of organizations like Proyecto Mujeres, coupled with the support of the local community, is crucial in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Please consider sharing this information and contributing to Proyecto Mujeres’ efforts to support adolescent girls in Coahuila. Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of these students.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice.
