01

How does menstruation make girls miss school?

Across Latin America, 1 in 4 girls regularly misses school during their period due to a lack of access to period care. The fear of shame and social stigma caused by visible leaks often leads to discomfort, absenteeism, and reduced participation and learning over time.

02

Why period underwear instead of tampons or pads?

Experts agree that period underwear is the optimal choice for young girls. It’s noninvasive and functions exactly like the underwear girls use daily. It’s more comfortable, more affordable, and creates far less waste than single-use disposables over time.

03

How much does it cost?

Period underwear is already more affordable than single - use period products over time. As part of the initiative, Somos Martina provides their period underwear to participating schools without taking profit, resulting in a price comparable to regular underwear.

04

Where can students get it?

For participating schools, the period underwear is distributed through existing school uniform infrastructure. This reduces costs and allows Somos Martina to provide their period underwear ‘at cost’.

05

What if a family cannot afford it?

By providing it ‘at cost’ as part of the initiative, for participating schools, the price of Somos Martina period underwear is comparable to that of regular underwear, which the girls need anyway. Families requiring additional support can contact organizations like UNICEF, Oxfam, or Tierra Grata for further assistance.

06

How many pairs of underwear do I need?

Somos Martina underwear can be worn for up to 12 hours, long enough f or a normal school day. For that reason, two to three pairs are generally enough to cover a full cycle comfortably. Rinse in cold water and air dry, and a pair can last up to three years.

07

How does absorbent underwear work?

The triple - layer technology in the Somos Martina underwear absorbs menstrual blood and moisture, controls odor, and prevents leaks. Depending on the style, absorption ranges from ~10 ml (light flow) to ~40 ml (super absorbent) per pair.

08

Are the materials safe for young girls? 

The materials used in Somos Martina period underwear are hypoallergenic, breathable fabrics free from harmful chemicals that meet international safety standards. The absorbent part is 100% organic cotton, with a seamless microfiber outer layer.

09

What if a school is not yet part of the initiative?

Students, educators, and parents are encouraged to reach out via info@somosmartina.org to bring the Period Uniform to their school. Since the sta rt of the initiative in January 2026, several new schools have committed to join. With the support of the Colombian Vice Minister of Education, the initiative is on course toward nationwide adoption.

10

How does the Period Uniform differ fr om other programs?

Unlike temporary, local, and often charitable programs that require separate logistics and reinforce the idea of period care as an ‘extra,’ the Period Uniform model integrates period care into the existing school uniform system, ma king it accessible by design and legitimizing period care as ‘standard.

11

How can Somos Martina afford to sell ‘at cost’?

Utilizing the existing infrastructure for distributing the period underwear allows for the cost to be signifi cantly reduced. Besides, providing their period underwear for the initiative is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility commitment of Somos Martina, helping to build long - term relationships with the customers of tomorrow.

12

Isn’t the lack of sanitary infrastructure a barrier to using period underwear?

While recognizing the challenges of poverty, only 2.4% of the Colombian population lacks the options required to wash their clothes, and 85% of Colombian schools already provide sanitary infrastructure. Because period underwear is washed like regular cloth ing, it remains a viable solution for the vast majority of students.

13

Is this initiative limited to Somos Martina underwear?

No, the Period Uniform is about ensuring access and the right to education. Other brands are encouraged to ge t on board.

14

Where is the Period Uniform implemented?

The Period Uniform was launched in January 2026 at the Institución Educativa Mayor de Mosquera, an area with especially high period - related absences. Since the start, several new sc hools have committed to join. With the support of the Colombian Vice Minister of Education the Period Uniform is on track for nationwide adoption.

15

What is the long - term outcome?

The Period Uniform helps girls stay in school, signifi cantly reducing dropout rates. By ensuring girls can finish their education, the Period Uniform creates more educational and income opportunities and actively works to lower gender inequality.