Increased knowledge about menstrual health, improved attitudes towards menstruation and reduction of menstrual stigma were the goals of the workshop held on July 11, 2025 with high school girls from the municipality of Kicevo. The workshop was the last of a total of 36 workshops held in Kicevo and Bitola on this topic.
“We dedicate this last workshop to reflecting on the process that brought us many experiences, emotions and real conversations with girls from different communities,” said Ljubinka Simjanoska – Kaceska, president of the association “Sunshine Kids” from Kicevo. “The support from the Civic Resource Centre was not only financial, it meant trust, space and encouragement to open up topics that have been ignored and marginalized for a long time. Thanks to your support, we managed to reach girls and boys at the same time and together start changing reality,” she added.
The workshops are part of the project “For Menstrual Justice”, which aims to address menstrual poverty among high school girls by providing education, resources, and support. The project’s activities are aimed at creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their social or economic status, can exercise their rights regarding menstruation and receive the support and information they need to feel safe and dignified during their menstrual cycle.
“Menstruation is not a shame, but a strength. I accept it as part of me and my female experience. I want a world where no girl will be ashamed to talk about menstruation,” said Fatima Hajchoska, a student at the “Mirko Mileski” high school in Kicevo, who participated in the workshops.
Other participants in the workshops also shared their views on this topic. "Every girl deserves information, not silence! At the workshops we learned, talked and listened to each other and it was liberating. Now I am louder, more honest and braver for myself and others," said Ella Alimoska, a student at the "Mirko Mileski" high school in Kicevo.
“Menstrual justice means accessibility, equality and dignity. We are not asking for mercy, but basic conditions for health and life. Our voices have started a change that no one can ignore anymore,” added Bojana Veljanoska, a student at the “Mirko Mileski” Gymnasium in Kicevo, a participant in the workshops.
This project is being implemented on the territory of the municipalities of Bitola and Kicevo and is planned to achieve several results: Increased knowledge about menstrual health, improved attitudes towards menstruation and reduced stigma; Increased access to menstrual products for girls in need, enhanced community involvement and support for menstrual health initiatives and the creation of a sustainable network of resources for ongoing support, as well as Enhanced emotional support and community among participants, development of leadership skills among peer leaders and increased confidence in discussions about health challenges related to menstruation.
“For Menstrual Justice” is a project implemented by the Women's Organization of the Municipality of Bitola in partnership with the Sunshine Kids Association from Kicevo. This project is a sub-grant awarded under the “EU Support to the Civil Society Resource Centre – Phase 2” funded by the European Union.
