MENSTRUAL POVERTY AS A FACTOR OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND VIOLATION OF RIGHTS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

This study deals with menstrual poverty, with the main objective of verifying to what extent this problem affects a layer of society that is even more vulnerable due to the lack of hygienic resources, basic sanitation and information on the management of menstruation itself. In order to do so, a bibliographic review was carried out, where at first it was demonstrated that menstrual rights are covered by social rights, such as health and education, provided for in the Federal Constitution, with an analysis of how such rights, if fulfilled, can guarantee greater menstrual dignity. Then, the concept of menstrual poverty was exposed, analyzing data on the subject and bringing the main legislation on the subject. Finally, it was presented how menstrual poverty aggravates the inequalities in Brazil, through problems such as school dropout that affects the performance and competitiveness of students, also being addressed the difficulties faced by people who menstruate within the prison systems. In this methodological bias, some authors were consulted and referenced with the purpose of substantiating and expanding the knowledge of the subject in question. In this referral, it was concluded that menstrual poverty is a public health issue, and it is extremely important to implement public policies aimed at the effectiveness of the right to menstrual dignity.