--- title: "Dirty Business: Lack of Menstrual Equity in Colombian Prisons" date: 2024-04-26T12:34:00-04:00 author: Kiki Zeldes canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Dirty Business: Lack of Menstrual Equity in Colombian Prisons Charlie Ruth Castro talks about her work as a teacher and coach in a medium security prison in Colombia and her dismay that the women were not given adequate menstrual supplies. The resource is also available in Spanish. > I have seen many shocking things in my work: severe overcrowding, decomposed food served to prisoners, and deteriorated buildings where even water is sometimes scarce. Particularly upsetting is the paltry number of menstrual pads (about 25 per year) that women inmates receive. This means that a menstruating woman must manage her monthly bleeding with only two pads. [Read the full story ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons) SOURCE: Our Bodies, Our Blog • AUTHOR: Charlie Ruth Castro • ![Toallas carcel 3](data:image/png;base64,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)The author hands menstrual supplies to women prisoners in Colombia / Charlie Ruth Castro entrega productos menstruales a mujeres con pena privativa de la libertada en Colombia ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ menstruation politics & policy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/menstruation-politics-policy) - [period poverty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/period-poverty) - [public policy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/public-policy) - [criminal legal system](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/criminal-legal-system) - [activism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/activism) - [social justice](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/social-justice) - [Spanish language resources](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/spanish-language-resources) - [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products) - [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Fighting for the Incarcerated Who Struggle to Find Menstrual Hygiene Products KH addresses her desire to discuss menstrual hygiene and incarceration, which stems from her personal experience and advocacy work. ![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,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) KH addresses her desire to discuss menstrual hygiene and incarceration, which stems from her personal experience and advocacy work.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-fighting-for-the-incarcerated-who-struggle-to-find-menstrual-hygiene-products) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Explaining How the Prison System Is Hurting Menstruating Women KH discusses the challenges menstruating people face in jail because they aren't provided with a sufficient number of menstruation products. ![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEsElEQVRIiWWWW47kyg1ETwSz+k7vwftfgn8Mr8mP6+nHtMjwR6a6xnAhIQhSiUEyyCD1t7//lSRpcmW+mF+ZT/qT+SRf5DKRZK+ql1o/1nqtx+vj8bpeXtfjx+Plj/V4WY9HrbVWVbnKLlmSkXCSEO5fgBDOgee7IPJ8mAAk5/yfhey3KwmEJBMmmZDz7BtkkKKEiXxbDM8b8htSCAgSJNbMEGC+ATIwYSAoEkgSQpKZ0QwTMpkkyb5xnldtV0jQ6h7Yf59z3XH8LwAoQqMeNHjowZOeeDKTmWgyAqPBMEbJuq7eAKQzO45JYCBSkGQpqCT6fK+OHDeqeKLJftLbeQgYSazr64IkQyZppjNDwoQgJJBVUVAQBiMjRz3brjxy1EGhA/ibg6+vL+AGuJhOZgehALLQaKyJBiIiUHB0RR5p5KBB2x/ACbtM169fvwM02QDfpSfvCKyKFgqcYLZRDx6uOQDsd+PYO4LPz1+7fG+MORgJsBm2VFaNNvdDou3y4G26t/UDENtjS9INsNvtFN6cwoZdnj4R0KEPwMBkY9DIMGGTQBLbOgAfn6cNk7vHyJ0fSRa2ytTQi1P75AbobNKP6d2P2JwIPj4+vxv9KQAAQpawsKmihkdO+oYJExocjJT780lWys4BeH//2M7ulHz3Fhgh2Y6dqqxKTx4zyUw6eBMd9C1KE1aYSZVlS6yPt48jZDrFgRxqfyjLSlWqWJW1m/Y0ZMOp2QMAk8xMrar2pmG9v78/2VeBo0KJSkaWLdurZi09ZmZ6omy7UfJMTnI0o2bKN8DH2zvH28o56y5zVLJVNau0Wt09o6RvrX6qbjKzI5yqrjtFWu9v77ufQkULP6JkM2fJcqlKq1iLLSLPOso2vRV1ZWZmdc+qdtkb4PPtbSc7WtEDT5RU8G4wDsDiMez+y9z1yH40sHJy09PVVS7fZfr2k5OfR3xFkwoOBYU3wKI703tahBlRZGCU3dqTqUxNV7erdopkaf16+wmKFnrEf8RJJQUlSl5UUZ1ZW1+jjCgxisUoTYrxE+Byre8MaX29/QmOHvFLPKnEsEihha/0yppkohllHO+rY9GKSRFnPFPdXuW67MOx1vX+L6joJf5xAIos2AArPqozV5YZY9OFjYUVK2Y2gOdyl6t0S5HqL69vc33k6vQhLKOMDotbYk5HbWPxGQoRo8Pz5qczV7oz1/TV/dV9rXxc4UJv8eeOYBbs88juWjOzp72qqZZbbnxhR4rYPrWmVOZ2H4nF55Yi8L9xU+hSHqJvfWEP6D15K6pxjdzI8oUUsWCINaZ90ichWDT6Xpr0kxIFDY9dMxF7cgVPvOKVq0ceeaS+hTTNmHE2M1IEEsv3gnZ2tv4PllrJHmf3fHdUQ4ceXLHjPcyY0APOlgAxVrRXErL2lN6L2GlU/Zmu7YEtG1XU0FGHXqnJVFojTatzZDuaaERv8kUgy8XZgp5DB80/YWFrWUtuqaVhVw1nB3T6e8gMOiNI+6Q3c0tGe7+8MfbaRP+D60X9UC+mSGmKXEQcEQomwxDtPqTD5VxwKU1azNoUnyF2xyAgTX+qv5RL0+eDFJnfhozOIGcmbRquyaVc2Vfmv5yLzhOlFwUFAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) KH discusses the challenges menstruating people face in jail because they aren't provided with a sufficient number of menstruation products.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-explaining-how-the-prison-system-is-hurting-menstruating-women) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Asking Legislators to Provide Menstrual Products in Prison KH discusses her work lobbying and advocating for a menstrual products bill that would benefit women who are incarcerated. ![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,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) KH discusses her work lobbying and advocating for a menstrual products bill that would benefit women who are incarcerated.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-asking-legislators-to-provide-menstrual-products-in-prison) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles) [ResourcesLook ## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history. ![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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) Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)