A Workshop on Periods, Self-Confidence, and Women’s Health
During our time in the communities of Milagros and La Unión in Colombia, we were able to support 25 girls in attending the “Niñas Sabias” workshop and covering the costs, thanks to your generosity. The workshop was led by Diana, a professional yoga instructor who is passionately committed to empowering young women. Through her course, she aims to educate girls about their bodies, strengthen their self-confidence, and encourage them to speak openly and without shame about topics like menstruation.
For two days, girls from the schools in Milagros and Morcote came together to explore their anatomy, menstrual cycle, and overall female health—topics that were entirely new to many of them. The anonymous questionnaires at the beginning of the workshop revealed just how little knowledge they had about menstruation and how negatively they viewed their own periods. Words like “dirty” or “unhygienic” came up repeatedly. Many were unsure about basic questions such as “Can I get pregnant when my period starts?” or “Should I be married before I have my period?”
In a culture where open discussions about the female body are rare—whether at school or at home—it was deeply moving for us to witness how quickly the girls began to open up, ask questions, and engage in conversation with one another.
As Diana put it so well:
“Only those who understand their bodies can truly take care of them and treat them well.”
Topics and Key Learnings from the Workshop
During the workshop, the girls explored various topics: the anatomy of the female body, the menstrual cycle and its phases, how to manage menstruation, as well as common myths and taboos. This knowledge was complemented by creative and empowering rituals, along with the reading and singing of positive affirmations and songs. Since menstrual products are not available for purchase in the area, Diana provided detailed instructions on how to properly use and clean reusable, washable pads. Thanks to the support of the company Einhorn, we were also able to bring and introduce products like tampons and menstrual cups to the girls. A huge thank you to Einhorn for your generous donation and valuable contribution to this important workshop!
At the end of the two-day workshop, the girls created a uterus made of flowers together—a symbol of the strength that lies within them.
Diana consistently emphasized the beauty and strength of the female body throughout the workshop. She reminded the girls that menstruation is something special—a sign of health, vitality, and creative power. The female body is, quite literally, a portal for life. Becoming aware of this power, embracing it, and speaking about it with pride was the core message Diana wanted the girls to take away.
In line with this, the guiding principle of “Niñas Sabias” came to life: “Menstruamos sanas, seguras y sabias” – “We menstruate healthy, safe, and wise.”
The feedback at the end of the workshop was overwhelming. During the final discussion, the girls shared how much they had learned and how their perception of their own bodies had changed. This was also reflected in their written evaluations—by the end of the workshop, nearly all of them were able to confidently answer questions about the menstrual cycle and menstruation. Involving parents was another key priority for us. Diana invited them to an open conversation to make the workshop’s content transparent and to share knowledge with them as well. After all, education does not stop with the children—it often begins at home.
Our experience with “Niñas Sabias” reaffirms just how necessary these workshops are. As Belén Chaparro, an Indigenous teacher from Mexico, beautifully puts it:
“Our bodies are sacred territories that must be honored, defended, and respected. They are sources of creative power, resilience, and inspiration. Menstrual education from an early age allows girls to connect with this power.”
We are incredibly grateful to have made this workshop possible and hope to continue creating spaces where girls can develop knowledge, confidence, and pride in themselves and their bodies. The need is immense, and the desire to share and pass on this knowledge is growing. In this, we see a tremendous opportunity to foster long-term awareness and empower girls in their bodily autonomy.
