Arequipa approves ordinance regulating dignified menstrual health

The Regional Council of the Regional Government of Arequipa approved Regional Ordinance No. 560-AREQUIPA, which establishes the framework for the management of dignified menstrual health in the region. The regulation, promulgated by Governor Rohel Sánchez Sánchez, was published in the Official Gazette El Peruano on Friday, September 11, 2026, in the Legal Norms section.

The ordinance defines menstrual health management as the safe, dignified, and healthy management of menstrual cycles, so that they do not become an obstacle in the daily lives of girls, adolescents, and women. It is based on the Political Constitution of Peru, Law No. 27783 on the Bases of Decentralization, Law No. 27867 Organic Law of Regional Governments, and Regional Ordinance No. 154-AREQUIPA and its amendments.

Regional Day and Awareness Campaigns

The regulation declares May 28 as “Menstrual Health Day,” a date recognized internationally by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and commemorated since 2014. In light of this, the regional government, through the Education Management Office, the Health Management Office, and the Development and Social Inclusion Management Office, will promote public campaigns and educational workshops in coordination with public and private entities and civil society organizations.

The objective is to make visible the importance of dignified menstrual management that contributes to closing gender gaps and eliminating taboos and stigmas surrounding menstruation.

Education and Free Provision of Products

The ordinance incorporates menstrual education as a key component, with awareness actions and workshops aimed at teachers, students, and parents. Likewise, it provides for the free and progressive provision of menstrual management products for girls, adolescents, and women in situations of poverty and extreme poverty, in health establishments and public educational institutions in the region, according to the budget availability of the competent management offices.

Monitoring System and Observatory

The Regional System for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Oversight of Comprehensive Menstrual Management is created, under the responsibility of the Multisectoral Regional Council for the Rights of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents (COREDNNA), which shall:

• Establish verifiable and periodic compliance indicators.
• Prepare and submit semi-annual reports to the Regional Council of Arequipa.
• Promote transparency through the publication of results on institutional portals.

As part of this system, a Menstrual Health Observatory for Vulnerable Populations is created, managed by the Regional Development and Social Inclusion Management Office, with a territorial approach and special emphasis on indigenous peoples and rural areas. Citizen oversight will be the responsibility of the Regional Youth Council (COREJU).

Certification of Educational Institutions

The ordinance creates the “Regional Certification of Educational Institutions with Dignified Menstrual Management,” an annual recognition mechanism for public schools that meet adequate standards, including the continuous and free availability of products, adequate hygienic services with potable water and soap, menstrual education programs based on scientific evidence, and sustainable environmental management practices.

The implementation of the regulation will be carried out progressively, charged to the institutional budgets of the competent entities and without incurring additional expenditure for the State. With this ordinance, Arequipa positions itself as one of the pioneering regions in guaranteeing by law the right to dignified menstruation, with a direct impact on school retention and access to health for girls and women in the region.

Source: Official Gazette El Peruano, No. 19513, Friday, September 11, 2026, Legal Norms section, pág. 212-215 (official reference: Regional Ordinance No. 560-AREQUIPA).