The Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) has commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day in rural communities in Boyo Division NW Region. The Bamenda based not-for-profit organization commemorated the day on Saturday 27 May 2023 in three subdivisions of Boyo.
Led by the Executive Director Clotilda Andiensa, CAGEAD made stops in Figie-Belo subdivision, Tinifoinbi- Njinikom subdivision and Fujua in Fundong Subdivision where they distributed sanitary kits to over 300 girls living in the rural communities. The packs CAGEAD describes as “dignity kits” contains 10litres bucket, two pants, three reusable pad and one disposable and a packet of powered soap. In addition to the kits,
“Mentrual Health Management (MHM) is a great challenge for many women across the globe. The case of women and girls in the conflict struck NW/SW regions is crucial because of the constant crossfire, roadblocks and lockdown continuously which limit access to products and services.” She said
According to the Executive Director, it was a hectic day considering that the area of choice for the commemoration is an epicenter in the ongoing armed conflict coupled with very bad roads.
“We came to the Boyo Community because we understand how serious the issue is in this area. You can see how much happy they were expressing gratitude for our action. Braving all the odds to these enclave areas is what gives my team and I joy of serving the underserved.” Clotilda Andiensa noted
During the various stops, the CAGEAD delegation also lectured the girls on best practices during menstruation and self-esteem.
Apart from making the trip to Boyo Division, CAGEAD has been training young women around Bamenda and beyond with skills for the production of reusable pads with cheap and available materials. The nongovernment organization considers the training as a way of “increasing access to menstrual friendly products at local and national levels.”
Commemorated with the theme ‘Making Menstruation a Normal fact of Life by 2030’, World Menstrual Hygiene Day examines the situation of many in low-income communities who do not have access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products. The day provides room for more advocacy for improved access to menstrual products.
A few more pictures from the trip
Girls displaying their kits