Dignidade menstrual em sala de aula : utilizando a ciência contra a desinformação e combate à desigualdade de gênero em escolas públicas no município de Lago da Pedra, Maranhão. Lago da Pedra - MA 2025

Abstract

This study focuses on menstrual dignity in the school environment. Menstruation, although a natural physiological process, is still surrounded by stigma and misinformation, especially in contexts of social vulnerability. The overall objective of the research was to analyze how the approach to menstrual dignity in the classroom, based on scientific knowledge, can promote awareness, combat misinformation, and reduce gender inequalities among students in public schools in the municipality of Lago da Pedra, Maranhão state. The research was conducted with female students from the Frei Godofredo Bauerdick Education Center and the Agostinho Romão da Silva Family School, using a structured questionnaire that addressed sociodemographic aspects, experiences with the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, and level of information on the subject. This is a quantitative-qualitative research study, with an exploratory and descriptive character. The results revealed that, although all participants knew what menstruation is and how to use sanitary products, only 6.25% knew the origin of menstrual products, and many reported believing in myths about fertility. In addition, 100% reported menstrual cramps, 87.5% reported fluid retention, and other physical complaints were common. The findings of the present study point to the urgency of implementing public policies and pedagogical practices aimed at critical menstrual education, which promote access to scientific information, health, and respect for the dignity of girls in public schools, as a way to confront exclusion and gender inequalities..