The Period Uniform

As the new school year kicks off, a groundbreaking initiative is tackling the menstrual inequity that keeps many young girls from attending school consistently. The recent design project by Serviceplan Innovation brings this vision to life with ingenuity and care: in collaboration with Colombian sustainable intimate-care leader Somos Martina and supported by the Vice Minister of Education, period protection has been integrated directly into the official school uniform—helping students stay confident, comfortable, and in class.

Stigma that Causes Absence

Across Latin America, 1 in 4 girls regularly misses school during their period because they don’t have access to period products. This is linked to a deeprooted menstrual stigma: Periods are often not even discussed at home, which makes it difficult for girls to ask for support. Without protection, many girls stay home to avoid leaks and the shame that comes with them. Repeated absence affects education and future opportunities.

A Fundamentally Different Approach

School uniforms, which are mandatory in Colombia, have long been used to promote inclusion and equality in public education. The Period Uniform extends this principle to period protection. Instead of distributing period products through temporary, local programs that require separate logistics, the Period Uniform model builds on the existing school uniform system, making period protection accessible by design.

The Period Uniform

Normalizes Period Protection
Schools add period underwear to their list of required school items. This turns period protection from an extra into the standard.

Avoids Stigma
Because schools communicate the requirement to parents, the burden of initiating the conversation is lifted from the girls.

Works at Scale
Period underwear works with existing school uniform infrastructure and processes. Once established this model works for every school, without additional effort.

Reduces Cost
Period underwear is already more affordable than single-use period products over time. As part of the initiative, Somos Martina provides period underwear to participating schools at a price comparable to regular underwear.

The Path to Nationwide Adoption
Launched at Institución Educativa Mayor de Mosquera in January, the initiative is
now expanding to additional schools. To inspire public discussion and encourage the government to adopt the model, Somos Martina has launched an awareness campaign. It includes a dedicated website with more information and an editorial by New York Times contributing journalist María F. Fitzgerald as well as a short film by award-winning director Claudia Barral.

Why Period Underwear

Experts agree that period underwear is the best choice for young girls. It‘s noninvasive and functions just like the daily underwear they already know. Period underwear is more comfortable and eliminates the skin irritation and health risks associated with pads or tampons. Unlike disposables, it provides up to 12 hours of protection, suitable for long school days. With a lifespan of up to 3 years, period underwear, is significantly more affordable and environmentally sustainable than single-use alternatives.

For Women, by Women

The Period Uniform initiative is powered by a network of influential women and female-led institutions across education, healthcare, media, and the arts, each bringing their unique expertise. From Institución Educativa Mayor de Mosquera, the first school to implement the uniform, to Fundación Poderosas Colombia, supporting engagement with students and families on menstrual health, every partner plays a vital role. Medical guidance comes from gynecologist Dr. Laura Gil, public communication is shaped by journalist María F. Fitzgerald, while filmmakers Claudia Barral Magaz and the women-led production company Demente document the initiative. Photographer Violeta Zambrano captures the lived realities of menstruation and school life, and illustrator Adriana Lozano crafted the distinctive visual language.

Drawing on the aesthetics of a teenage diary and avoiding clinical or commercial cues, the visual identity—complete with custom illustrations, hand-drawn typography, and scribbled data charts—feels relatable and human across print, film, web, and school materials, uniting the project into a truly transformative experience.

Because equal education starts with dignity, and dignity starts with care. 💛 Read more about the project HERE.

Brand: Somos Martina
Campaign: Serviceplan Group
Film Director: Claudia Barral Magaz
Illustrations: Adriana Lozano
Photography: Violeta Zambrano
Website: Daniel Kuhnlein
Typeface: ABC Stefan by Stefan Marx and ABC Dinamo