In Costa Rica, as in many parts of the world, access to menstrual products remains a significant barrier for girls attending school. Thousands of girls miss school every month because they cannot afford these essential items. Recognizing this urgent issue, Nosotras Women Connecting, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting women’s rights, embarked on a bold mission to ensure that no girl would have to miss school because of her period.
The Challenge:
The first step was to address the lack of awareness and urgency among policymakers. Despite the pressing need for action, the issue of menstrual equity was not high on the agenda of Costa Rica’s congress. Convincing the 57 congresspeople to prioritize and support legislation to provide free menstrual products in schools would be no small feat.
The Strategy:
Nosotras Women Connecting knew that traditional advocacy methods alone might not be enough to capture the attention of busy lawmakers. So, they devised a creative and innovative strategy to directly engage the congresspeople where they were most likely to be found: on their cell phones.
The Idea:
The team at Nosotras Women Connecting obtained the phone numbers of all 57 congresspeople and created a WhatsApp group called “Thank you Congressmembers🙏.” Each congressperson was added to the group, where they were promptly greeted with messages from Costa Rican girls expressing gratitude and anticipation for the passing of the bill.
The Impact:
The impact of this grassroots campaign was immediate and profound. Within just five days of creating the WhatsApp group, the bill to provide free menstrual products in schools was brought to debate and subsequently passed into law. This remarkable achievement was a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the ability of ordinary citizens to effect change through innovative means.
The Legacy:
The success of the “Welcome To The Group” campaign has left a lasting legacy in Costa Rica, demonstrating the power of community organizing and digital advocacy to drive meaningful social change. By harnessing the power of technology and leveraging the voices of those directly affected by the issue, Nosotras Women Connecting has paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for Costa Rican girls.
Published in Costa Rica in March 2024, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots activism in advancing women’s rights and promoting social justice. As Nosotras Women Connecting continues its work to empower women and girls across Costa Rica, the impact of this campaign will continue to be felt for years to come.
