More than 200 packets of sanitary pads were collected in the “Menstrual Dignity” campaign, promoted by FE-Unicamp in partnership with the Executive Directorate of Human Rights (DEDH), and delivered on September 5th to the Maria Lúcia Petit Vive Occupation, integrating the actions of the Human Rights month (referenced in August).
The donation went to Ocupação, a shelter for vulnerable women and victims of violence in Campinas. Named after the young teacher and guerrilla fighter Maria Lúcia Petit, it was organized by the Olga Benário Women's Movement and the Maria Lúcia Petit Support Network.
Participating in the delivery were the associate director of FE-Unicamp, professor Guilherme do Val Toledo Prado, the technical coordinator of FE-Unicamp, Tassiane Bragagnolo, as well as Aparecida do Carmo Miranda Campos and Laura Keiko Hyppolito, representatives of the Unicamp Human Rights Observatory (ODH), which belongs to DEDH.
The state coordinator of the Olga Benário Women's Movement, Talita Bezerra, says that the occupation was created in 2023 to offer shelter and political organization to women, given the increase in cases of femicide in Campinas and the lack of public policies aimed at this population in the city.
The space brings together a support network of technicians, lawyers, social workers, and psychologists who work with the residents. "The space's intention is also to politically organize women to build their own liberation," Talita emphasized.
She also emphasized the importance of the link with education to broaden the reach of these initiatives: "We believe this debate should permeate not only schools, but also universities. It's crucial to engage in this dialogue against gender-based violence, but also against the lack of access to education."
For Talita, partnerships with educational institutions are essential. "If any school, research group, or teacher wants to get involved, just get in touch. We can organize lectures and activities with children and adolescents to foster this dialogue," she stated.
The initiative highlights FE-Unicamp's commitment to combating menstrual poverty and expanding debates on education, gender equality, and social justice.
