Martha Rodriguez: A Champion for Menstrual Health in the Dominican Republic
From a young age, Martha Rodriguez had a passion for improving the lives of others in her native Dominican Republic. Long before joining Days for Girls as a Social Enterprise leader, she had dedicated her life and career to serving her community.
Martha's childhood experiences exposed her to the pervasive challenges faced by Dominican women and girls, including poverty, inadequate reproductive health education, and limited menstrual health resources. She was determined to find solutions and saw the potential for public health initiatives and government efforts to address these issues. However, Martha also recognized the need for more direct and community-driven approaches.
A Personal Mission to Empower Women and Girls
“Twenty-seven percent of women here live in poverty,” Martha said. “I knew something had to change, and we can make it happen.”
Driven by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Dominican women and girls, Martha pursued a career in public health. She earned a doctorate and began working for the Dominican government to develop health policies. One issue that particularly concerned her was teenage pregnancy, which is closely linked to poverty, reproductive health, and menstrual health.
Addressing the Root Causes of Poverty and Inequality
The Dominican Republic has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Latin America, with more than one in four girls between the ages of 12-19 becoming pregnant. Early pregnancies often prevent girls from completing their education and accessing paid work opportunities, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Limited sexual and reproductive health education and menstrual health resources exacerbate the issue of teenage pregnancy. Many stores in the Dominican Republic lack menstrual products or sell them at exorbitant prices. As a result, one in five girls in rural areas miss multiple days of school every month due to a lack of period products.
Martha recognized the importance of understanding one's health and caring for oneself. She saw the need to fill the gaps in the availability of menstrual health resources in the Dominican Republic.
Founding ProInfancia a DfG Social Enterprise: A Catalyst for Change
In 2020, Martha founded ProInfancia, a DfG Social Enterprise dedicated to promoting education, menstrual health, and economic independence for women and girls, especially those in vulnerable areas. Her Social Enterprise has 35 menstrual health education specialists who help manufacture and distribute DfG’s menstrual kits and teach girls about their menstrual cycle, ensuring girls’ ability to manage their menstruation safely. Martha’s outstanding work has impacted countless lives in her community and country, including members of her team and other DfG Social Enterprise leaders.
“ProInfancia has changed my life,” said Kiara Sanchez, a ProInfancia volunteer. “Much of who I am today, I owe to the foundation.”
Nicol Ramirez, DfG Social Enterprise Leader and ProInfancia Ambassador for Women’s Health, has seen firsthand how Martha’s work is transforming lives in the Dominican Republic. “Martha is a source of inspiration in my life, teaching me the true meaning of service and faith,” she said.
While the effects of her work are seen and felt by many, to Martha, she is simply fulfilling her calling and following her passion. “She does not seek recognition or rewards,” remarked Nicol.
Martha credits her community of support and ProInfancia’s staff for allowing the Social Enterprise to flourish. Yet, her journey from a young girl, passionate about social justice, to a dedicated leader in menstrual health advocacy is a testament to the power of individual action.
“Through watching and knowing Martha,” stated Kiara. “I have learned the reason for why we are here: to serve others.”
Martha’s work through her DfG ProInfancia Social Enterprise is making a significant impact on the lives of women and girls in the Dominican Republic, one person and one period at a time.
