The existence of fear and embarrassment related to menstrual bleeding is a common phenomenon, particularly in Guatemala, where these fears often arise from inadequate knowledge, limited support, and prevailing social stigmas. By addressing concerns directly and providing comprehensive menstrual health education along with access to reusable menstrual products (RMPs), we can foster a sustainable impact. Such initiatives align with the United Nations (2015) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize the improvement of menstrual health education and care. These include SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: RMPs made from nontoxic materials safeguard women's menstrual hygiene, minimizing exposure to harmful toxins and reducing the risk of infections and health complications related to inadequate menstrual management; SDG 5: Gender Equality: RMPs offer a cost-effective alternative to disposable options, enabling individuals facing financial constraints to manage menstruation with dignity and actively engage in various aspects of life; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Using RMPs reduces environmental impact related to production, disposal, and energy use, while also conserving water and improving sanitation; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: RMPs used for extended periods minimize waste generation and resource consumption, reducing environmental impact; SDG 13: Climate Action: Unlike disposable products that harm the environment through energy-intensive manufacturing and contribute to deforestation and pollution, RMPs mitigate these effects and support climate action; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration among government, nonprofit, and private sector organizations is essential for promoting and adopting RMPs, fostering partnerships to raise awareness, enhance accessibility, and support research and development.

Providing women with education about the menstrual cycle is a vital element in empowering them to understand their bodies, while also ensuring access to menstrual products that uphold dignity, promote health, and encourage self-care. Days for Girls International (2020) has played a pivotal role globally in educating and distributing RMPs to underserved communities. These kits include a cloth pad with interchangeable liners, soap, a washcloth, underwear, and a carrying bag. In rural Guatemala, education contributes to enhancing understanding of bodily changes and the natural process of menstruation. It is important to establish partnerships with trusted community members, especially when addressing prevalent myths or misconceptions. Promoting normalization and reducing social stigma requires active community engagement and support.

Organizing gatherings with peers in a comfortable environment, with the presence and support of understanding teachers, facilitated open dialogue. Teaching can be adapted to accommodate cultural variations, using native language and culturally accepted terms. Positive messaging can be reinforced through the involvement of "older" women from the community, who serve as role models.

In Guatemala, where 54% of the population is either poor or vulnerable to poverty (World Bank, 2023), RMPs provide an environmentally and economically sound solution. The affordability and reliability of cloth kits, which can be reused for years, have a positive impact that promotes sustainability and benefits the economy and environment. In regions with limited sanitation and inadequate trash containment, use of these products prevents unsafe disposal, making a significant sustainable impact across economic and environmental aspects.

Empowering women to embrace their bodies and menstruation fosters self-confidence and promotes overall wellness. Through education initiatives and widespread distribution of RMPs, the embarrassment associated with bleeding can be effectively reduced, giving girls a sense of control over something is often considered intimidating or distressing. Together, we can transform the narrative about menstruation, enabling women to live their lives with dignity and empowerment. Nurses can help support these efforts.

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