Menstrual hygiene products, including sanitary pads, tampons, reusable pads, menstrual cups amongst other products, are important health tools for managing periods for all women. According to UNICEF, every month, 1.8 billion people across the world Menstruate on every given day and millions of these Girls women are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified healthy way.  The average Adolescent Girl and Young Woman who menstruates has their period for a cumulative 3-5 days of their life, uses between 10 to 30 pads and up to 16,800 products in the course of their lifetime at a cost of an estimated $9000. However, despite the role of Menstrual products in Maintaining hygiene and health, many Cameroonians are unable to afford or otherwise lack access to this basic necessity and as result, some females who menstruate have resorted to unsafe or unsanitary options, including the use of rags, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, dirty socks, used paper bags or a single pad for longer than the recommended time. This inadequate or improper use of menstrual hygiene products can have devastating medical consequences and may possibly result in urinary tract infections, vulvar contact dermatitis, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and overall low quality of life.

 And although Menstruation is natural and a human right many AGYW face stigma, harassment and social exclusion during Menstruation. Among other issues; gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, and cultural taboos. Unaffordability and access to menstrual hygiene products clearly poses a threat to public health. Women should have access to affordable, comprehensive, and nondiscriminatory health care coverage over the course of their life. This should include access to affordable hygiene products. We therefor recognize the importance of promoting proper MHM practices to ensure the health, dignity, and well-being of women and girls. Our interventions in the area of MHM focus on advocating for a reduction in cost for sanitary pads, raising awareness, providing access to hygiene products, and advocating for menstrual health rights.

2. Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products: We work to ensure that women and girls have access to quality menstrual hygiene products such as sanitary pads, and hygiene kits. Through outreach programs, partnerships with local supplies, and advocacy for affordable and accessible hygiene products, we aim to address the barriers that prevent women from managing their periods effectively.

3. Promoting Hygienic Facilities: We advocate for the provision of clean, safe, and private sanitation facilities in schools, workplaces, and communities to enable women and girls to manage their menstruation hygienically and comfortably. By advocating for the inclusion of MHM facilities in public spaces and supporting initiatives to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, we strive to create menstruation-friendly environments.

4. Empowerment and Destigmatization: Our interventions focus on empowering women and girls to embrace their menstrual health as a natural and normal part of life. We engage in advocacy efforts to destigmatize menstruation, challenge cultural taboos, and promote a positive narrative around periods that emphasizes dignity, respect, and inclusivity. Join us in championing menstrual hygiene management as a critical aspect of women’s health, dignity, and empowerment. Together, we can create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier but a natural and celebrated part of every woman’s life