Introduction
On Saturday, May 17th, Casa Lucerna (Lucerna #42, Col. Juárez, CDMX) will transform into a space for reflection, learning, and well-being. In the lead-up to International Menstrual Health Day on May 28th, Essity Mexico, a company specializing in hygiene and health, along with UNICEF Mexico and the Menstruation Dignity Mexico collective, invites the public to attend the second edition of the Ciclo M Festival. This free, inclusive event aims to break stigmas and foster necessary conversations about the menstrual cycle.
The Importance of Menstrual Education
Palmira Camargo, Communication Corporate Vice President for Essity LATAM, shared her insights in an interview with El Economista. She emphasized three key aspects: viewing the menstrual cycle as a natural process without stigma, recognizing its importance for gender equality, and the need for early education to achieve these goals.
Camargo expressed surprise that in 2025, we still treat menstruation as a taboo subject. Essity and its partners strive to create open, direct, and dynamic spaces for discussing menstruation. The goal is to engage various audiences, including women, men, parents, children, adolescents, as well as more associations, academia, decision-makers, and government bodies to raise awareness about the significance of this topic.
Menstrual knowledge is crucial for gender equality and the well-being of millions, as 69% of menstruators reported having little to no information when they experienced their first period. Therefore, open discussions about menstruation are essential for mass awareness.
The Program
Camargo outlined various strategies to engage diverse audiences, such as launching the first cycle of menstrual-themed short films featuring students from various universities. During the event, finalist shorts will be screened, and winners will be announced, recognizing fresh and impactful perspectives on transforming menstrual conversations.
Moreover, the festival will host over 15 workshops, conferences, and interactive sessions, including a painting workshop led by Sofía Weidner, a conference by actress, screenwriter, and producer Gina Castellanos, and a yoga class guided by an expert. Ciclo M aims to promote dignified access to menstrual health products, information, and services while fostering a more conscious and respectful relationship with our bodies.
This year, the festival offers diverse content to create a living and collective project. Experts in menstrual education, doctors, artists, and opinion leaders will focus on conscious menstruation and its positive impact.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Ciclo M Festival? The Ciclo M Festival is a free, inclusive event promoting open conversations about menstruation to break stigmas and foster understanding.
- Who is hosting the event? Essity Mexico, UNICEF Mexico, and Menstruation Dignity Mexico are collaborating to organize the festival.
- What activities will take place? The festival features short film screenings, workshops, conferences, and interactive sessions focused on menstrual health and dignity.
- Who is the target audience? The event aims to engage women, men, parents, children, adolescents, as well as associations, academia, decision-makers, and government bodies.
- Why is menstrual education important? Menstrual knowledge promotes gender equality and well-being, as many menstruators lack information when they first experience their period.
