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Ending the cycle: YWiL Network advances regional action for menstrual equity and period poverty

August 12, 2026 | Activity

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Menstrual health is closely connected to the health, rights and dignity of women and girls, yet period poverty continues to restrict access to menstrual products, adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities, and reliable information. Across the Caribbean, important gaps remain in research, policy, legislation and programming on menstrual health and equity.

Against this backdrop, the fifth webinar of the Young Women in Leadership (YWiL) Network, “Ending the Cycle: Regional Youth Action for Menstrual Equity,” brought together young women, women parliamentarians, regional partners, and civil society representatives to explore pathways for advocacy and policy engagement. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger research and evidence to inform advocacy, alongside public education, partnerships, resource mobilisation and community-based initiatives that can sustain action on period poverty.

Senator the Honourable Brittney Galvez of Belize, Vice-President for Central America of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality, underscored that period poverty is a public policy, budgetary and legislative concern with implications for education, labour force participation, health and gender equality. Drawing on Belize’s experience, she highlighted legislative options to improve the affordability of menstrual products and reflected on opportunities for parliamentarians and young women leaders to work together to advance menstrual equity.

The session included a presentation on the YWiL Network’s regional research and advocacy initiative to address period poverty in the Caribbean. The initiative includes a regional survey, a social media campaign, and a letter to Caribbean Heads of Government outlining priority areas for action. Building on these and other contributions, participants identified opportunities to strengthen partnerships and support regional initiatives across the YWiL Network and Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) chapters.

The exchange reinforced the importance of ensuring that young women’s experiences and perspectives inform public policy and shape responses that reflect the Caribbean’s diverse contexts. Held in conjunction with International Youth Day 2026, it also connected these efforts with this year’s theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

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