As the world marked Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 under the theme “together for a period-friendly world”, young voices from Bamenda and beyond united in a bold and creative campaign to break the silence around menstruation and challenge the social and cultural stigma that often surrounds it.
Menstrual Hygiene Management sensitisation material. Photo credits: CAGEAD
Among these emerging voices were Laughi Blessing, Macela-Bright Masanga, Ndam Albright Maya, and several other passionate young advocates who used slam poetry, spoken word, skits, and music to raise awareness and inspire change. They were all participants in the Menstrual Hygiene Management Creative Competition organised by the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) to commemorate this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Submitted online and evaluated in Bamenda, the competition drew 23 contestants, each using their talents to amplify the call for inclusive menstrual health education and dignity. The event culminated on May 28, 2025, observed as World Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the proclamation of results, recognition of outstanding performances, and distribution of prizes.
Laughi Blessing, a Nurse-midwife student at the University of Bamenda from Mbot village in Donga Mantung Division, used her voice to challenge the silence that still shrouds menstruation in many communities.
“When I hear ‘menstrual hygiene’, a lot comes to my mind. It is a biological process, a natural cycle, and part of who we are as women. In my community, however, it is still taboo. Girls are taught not to speak about it, and myths persist like believing a woman shouldn’t be around men during her period, or that sitting close to them can make her pregnant.” she said.
Her participation in the competition was not just artistic but deeply personal. She recalled missing her period for three months at the age of 14 due to stress, and the fear of being wrongly labelled pregnant.
“It was traumatising. I withdrew from everyone until a nurse in another quarter gave me the education I needed. That changed everything.” she confessed.
Her call to action is clear: “Menstrual hygiene deserves a safe space. I plead with CAGEAD and other organisations to carry such initiatives into grassroots communities. I am ready to volunteer and support such causes.”
Another participant, Macela-Bright Masanga, chose a skit to communicate the harsh realities many girls face due to the lack of menstrual hygiene awareness.
Marcela-Bright Masanga is an Upper Sixth Science student and Senior Prefect Girl at Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Bamenda. More than just a top student, Marcela is a trained peer educator and the coordinator of her school’s Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Club. Her story, like that of Laughi and many girls across the region, reveals the daily struggles and triumphs associated with menstruation in a society that too often shrouds it in silence.
“Before CAGEAD’s intervention, menstruation was something you whispered about. If your period came while you were in school, you simply left and many did not come back that day,” Macela-Bright recounts.
Her first encounter with menstruation was sudden and confusing.
“I did not even feel it coming." Macela-Bright explained
It took her mother’s guidance to help her understand how to use a sanitary pad, along with misinformation warning that any interaction with boys during her period could result in pregnancy.
This lack of accurate education and the culture of silence led to months of poor school attendance and a steady decline in her academic performance.
“I would just stay home, convinced I would catch up later. But it added up, slowly affecting my grades.” she added
Everything began to change when the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) selected GBHS Bamenda for its menstrual hygiene management project. The programme, aimed at increasing girls’ educational attainment, transformed the school’s environment from one of stigma and silence to support and empowerment.
Masanga believes schools need to introduce more menstrual health education and provide free sanitary pads.
“Most girls miss school because they don’t have access to pads. Menstrual hygiene is a right, not a luxury.” she emphasised
Emerging first place in the competition was Ndam Albright Maya, an aspiring biomedical engineer, spoken-word poet, and public speaker. With a powerful score of 79.83%, her slam poetry captivated the judges and audience alike.
Maya described her win as affirming.
“I have done slam before, but this felt unique. It’s the first time five judges sat down to evaluate my work. I feel proud and validated.” she said happily
Beyond the competition, she sees herself continuing this journey.
“Through poetry and public speaking, I will keep telling the story, educating, and creating awareness. We are not just talking about the flow we are talking about dignity, self-worth, and health.” she adds
Following Maya were Fotabong Paul who secured second place with a score of 72.83%, and Efeti Karen Mondua who came third with 67.16%. But to CAGEAD, every participant was a winner.
Andiensa Clotilda Waah, CEO of CAGEAD, presided over the award ceremony and presented cash prizes, certificates, and dignity kits to all contestants.
“All of you are winners. Your passion and commitment were evident in your work. I challenge you to go back and continue as ambassadors of menstrual hygiene in your schools and communities.” she told the participants.
The Menstrual Hygiene Management Creative Competition was an indication to CAGEAD’s commitment to empowering youth and promoting gender equality through education and advocacy. Through the organisation’s leadership, the competition demonstrated how creativity, community engagement, and youth empowerment can intersect to drive meaningful conversations on menstrual health not just on Menstrual Hygiene Day, but every day.
As the curtains fell on the event, one thing remained clear: a generation of informed, passionate, and courageous youth is rising—determined to end period stigma, promote proper menstrual hygiene, and ensure that no girl is held back simply because of a natural biological process.
By Bakah Derick
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