The Leader podcast: ‘Going to church on your period is a sin’

How myths about periods are finally being dispelled in El Salvador
Xochitl helps her family with the chickens Victor Peña Evening Standard
Evening Standard

In this month’s special ‘Let Girls Learn’ episode, we’re talking about periods in El Salvador.

Menstruation is viewed here as a subject only for women, it’s seen as dirty and believed that when someone is experiencing one they should hide themselves away.

Local journalist, Julia Gavarrete, takes us to ‘the Power of the Red Butterflies’ project in Chalatenango, where they are aiming to remove stigmas and myths around women’s bodies.

The programme also includes boys and young men, teaching them about reproductive rights and consent.

The Red Butterflies also help with access to sanitary products in emergencies - such as in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Julia and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the Evening Standard’s #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.

Listen above, and find us on your Spotify Daily Drive or wherever you stream your podcasts.

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