Tec students in San Luis Potosí have put together this guide to raise awareness about menstrual health. It has already been translated into indigenous languages and will soon be available in Uganda and Haiti.
By
Dessire wong
| San Luis Potosí Campus
-
08/24/2026
Photo
Courtesy of Andrea Rodríguez
Read time: 4 mins
Is it true that you shouldn’t exercise during your period? This and other myths are common due to a lack of reliable information in various parts of the world.
Students at Tec de Monterrey in San Luis Potosí, in collaboration with Organización Para Chicas (OPC), have developed the educational guide Let’s Talk About the Cycle: Menstruation with Dignity, which has been translated for various communities in Mexico and abroad.
What began as a college community serviceproject expanded to different parts of the world to educate the generalpublic about healthy menstruation.
So far, the guide has been implemented in the Sierra Tarahumara in Chihuahua; it has been translated into Rarámuri, and work is underway in Quintana Roo to translate it into Maya.
It’s currently being adapted into Creole for distribution in Haiti, as well as into English and two local languages in Uganda.
“We talk about products, how they’re used, myths, and even health issues… In short, that means talking about access to true menstrual health.” - Andrea Rodríguez
Organización Para Chicas(Organization for Girls,OPC)was founded by Tec graduate Gabriela Silva in collaboration with Andrea Rodríguez; this nonprofit organization is dedicated to facilitating access to information on issues related to gender equality and operates on an international scale.
From community service to real impact
Fernanda Véliz, an engineering student who participates in the initiative “Let’s Talk About the Cycle: Menstruation with Dignity,” highlighted that the biggest challenge was maintaining a consistent visual identity and selecting images that conveyed empathy.
From a technical and visual standpoint, the students designed the materials with accessibility in mind.
“OPC has impressed me with its track record and the inspiration it conveys. We joined forces to organize awareness campaigns and donation drives on campus,” said Véliz.
The student also told CONECTA that the material intended for teachers was designed to have a practicalfocus that went beyond theory, so that it could serve as a resource in the classroom.
Early uses of the menstrual guide in Mexican communities | Photo courtesy of Andrea Rodríguez
Inclusive education: A guide created by young people for young people
Andrea Rodríguez, co-founder of OPC, explained that “Let’s Talk About the Cycle: Menstruation with Dignity”not only debunkscommon myths—such as the idea that physical activity should be restricted during menstruation—but also includesmen in the conversation.
“Today, menstruation is considered the fifth vital sign; recognizing this highlights its importance in women’s bodies and the need to talk about it,” Rodríguez said.
The co-founder said the guide challenges the notion that this is a problem exclusive to women and normalizes the process as part of everyday life.
“Today, menstruation is considered the fifth vital sign; this reflects its importance in women’s bodies and the need to talk about it.” - Andrea Rodríguez
According to the Second National Survey on Menstrual Health in Mexico (UNICEF, 2026), 66% of people who menstruate reported having little or no information at the time of their first period.
“We talk about products, how they’re used, myths, and even medical conditions; in short, it’s about addressing access to true menstrual health,” said Rodríguez.
The collaboration between the organization and the students led to the development of materials designed for both students and teachers, accompanied by practical guidelines to facilitate their use in the classroom.
“Having access to menstrual hygiene products with dignity remains a privilege in Mexico, and it shouldn’t be,” said the co-founder of OPC.
OPC members and teachers who participated in developing the guide on menstrual health. Photo courtesy of Andrea Rodríguez
Toward a future with dignified menstruation
“Experiencing menstruation with dignity means having the necessary products, access to water and basic services, receiving education, and having access to adequate medical care,” Fernanda Véliz highlighted.
She said that putting together this guide had been a learning experience for all the students.
“The aim is to eliminate discrimination and taboos, and to normalize this biological process as something as routine as getting a haircut or trimming your nails,” she concluded.
According to the student, the project was complemented by initiatives designed to benefit those currently involved in it, as well as to leave a legacy for future generations.
The project “Let’s Talk About the Cycle: Menstruation with Dignity” also helps ensure timely diagnosis and dignified access to health care for communities that previously lacked accurate information.
