A Transformative Initiative for Menstrual Health
Catalonia has started a pioneering initiative to address menstrual inequality, providing free reusable menstrual products through pharmacies. This action, called ‘My Rule, My Rules’, empowers menstruating people and promotes sustainability.
Wide Access to Reusable Menstrual Products
From March 4, girls, women and menstruating people in Catalonia can visit their local pharmacy and choose between menstrual panties, menstrual cups or packs of cloth pads, all for free. In addition, they receive information and specialized advice to guide them in their choice.
Impact on the Pyrenees and the Aran
In the Pyrenees and Aran, 1,913 people have gone to pharmacies to collect or reserve their reusable menstrual products. Most of the products have been distributed in Alt Urgell and Cerdanya, with 515 and 458 units respectively.
Product Preferences
Menstrual socks have been the most requested product, representing 60.3% of deliveries. Menstrual cups constituted 27.4% and sanitary pad packs the remaining 12.4%.
Participating Pharmacies
In the Pyrenees and Aran, 39 pharmacies have joined this initiative, easily identifiable by a special badge. The director of the Territorial Services for Equality and Feminisms in the region, Mireia Guivernau, visited a pharmacy in Tremp to learn first-hand about the development of the distribution.
Personalized advice
To obtain the desired product, interested parties must present a unique and non-transferable QR code that is obtained through the ‘News: La Meva Regla, Les Meves Regles’ section in the digital health space ‘La Meva Salut’. The QR code can also be requested through a form in the ‘La Meva Salut’ mobile application.