Essity, UNICEF Advance Menstrual Health Agenda

A joint study by Essity, UNICEF, and Menstruación Digna México highlights persistent barriers to menstrual health in the country. Many women and girls lack education and access to products, with most relying on informal sources. Despite policy progress, including tax removal and local initiatives, gaps in sanitation and federal legislation remain. 

Girls and women continue to face ongoing barriers limiting their access to products and sanitation in Mexico, found a joint study by Essity, UNICEF, and Menstruación Digna México. In the Second National Survey on Menstrual Management, the organizations call for coordinated action to strengthen menstrual health as a policy priority.

“It is essential to resume the conversation about menstruation as something completely normal,” says Melisa Guerra, Co-Founder, Menstruación Digna México, reports El Heraldo.

The survey found that 66% of people who menstruate had little or no information at the time of their first period, reflecting gaps in education and access to reliable sources. While awareness has increased, formal education remains limited: 52% of respondents rely on the internet and social media for information, compared to 4% who receive it in schools.

Policy efforts have advanced in recent years. The elimination of VAT on menstrual products marked a shift in recognizing menstrual health as a social equity issue. Some municipalities and workplaces have introduced menstrual leave, though broader inclusion in federal labor law remains pending. Programs combining product distribution with education have also been implemented at the state level.

Infrastructure remains a constraint. According to data presented, 31% of students have missed school during their menstrual period due to inadequate sanitation or lack of products. UNICEF Mexico notes that gaps in water and sanitation services continue to affect menstrual management, particularly in schools.

ESG Strategy and Implementation

Essity has integrated menstrual health into its ESG strategy through initiatives focused on access, infrastructure and education. Its partnership with UNICEF under La higiene es nuestro derecho has reached more than 220,000 children and adolescents over six years and trained 500 teachers on menstrual health.

The program includes water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools, with 10 institutions implementing adapted models that incorporate gender-sensitive design. In states such as Chihuahua and Chiapas, these efforts have informed local education planning. The partnership has also produced technical studies and educational materials, including courses and radio programs reaching millions.

Market and Policy Context

The survey findings coincide with Essity’s expansion in feminine care. In 2026, the company acquired the feminine care business of Edgewell Personal Care for US$340 million, strengthening its position in a segment linked to public health and workplace inclusion.

The global feminine care market is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, supported by increased awareness and demand for hygiene products. At the same time, menstrual health is gaining visibility in policy discussions. In Mexico, proposals to introduce paid menstrual leave remain under review, reflecting broader efforts to integrate the issue into labor frameworks.

Innovation and Remaining Gaps

Essity is also advancing sustainability initiatives, including participation in PROTEUS, a project to develop bio-based absorbent materials as alternatives to fossil-based inputs. The effort aligns with broader industry trends toward circular production models.

Despite progress, survey data shows that menstrual health continues to affect daily life: 34% of respondents reported missing activities due to pain, while 33% avoided participation due to fear of staining. Limited understanding of the menstrual cycle also persists, with most respondents unaware of its phases.

Stakeholders agree that addressing these gaps will require sustained collaboration across sectors. Expanding access to information, improving sanitation infrastructure, and ensuring availability of products remain central to advancing menstrual health in Mexico.