Our research influences public policies

The impact of the IDIAPJGol Equity and Menstrual Health study, along with initiatives from activism, have been relevant to the promotion of the measures to be implemented next year to guarantee menstrual equity.

The star measure will be the distribution of reusable menstrual products in Catalan pharmacies for free. This action is in line with the conclusions of the Menstrual Health and Equity study, led by researcher Laura Medina-Perucha, which called for guaranteeing access to menstrual products for vulnerable groups.

According to the researcher, "our project, together with initiatives especially from the feminist movement, has contributed to making menstrual inequalities visible in our context, as well as promoting menstrual health."

On the other hand, Medina-Perucha comments that it is necessary to continue working to promote gender and menstrual equity, as well as address menstrual stigma and discrimination and improve the services provided. “Being able to access free menstrual products is an action that can benefit more vulnerable populations affected by social inequities. Likewise, it is necessary to ensure the functioning of these menstrual equity strategies, as well as evaluate them," he adds.

Currently, the research team continues the line in equity and menstrual health. The new projects focus on understanding how menstrual inequities relate to the emotional health of women and people who menstruate. They are also starting projects on perimenopause and, more theoretically, to conceptualize menstrual inequality so that this concept can be better used in the field of research.