The second edition of the Menstrual Hygiene Management Creative Competition emerged as one of the highlights of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration organised by the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development, CAGEAD, in Bamenda.
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Observed globally on May 28, World Menstrual Hygiene Day seeks to break taboos surrounding menstruation, promote awareness and advocate for policies that support menstrual health and dignity. This year's celebration was held under the theme "Together for a period friendly World".
The competition formed part of efforts to engage adolescent girls, young women and boys in public conversations on menstrual hygiene management while addressing persistent myths, cultural beliefs and stigma.
Participants were invited to submit educational videos in the form of skits, slam poetry or rap performances. Each production was required to educate audiences on menstrual hygiene management and challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding menstruation.
According to organisers, the competition attracted 23 contestants from different regions of Cameroon, demonstrating growing interest among young people in menstrual health advocacy.
The judging process resulted in the selection of three winners Chafor Ramson emerging first, Habiba Hodi second and Fotabong Paul third, who received cash prizes and certificates recognising them as menstrual hygiene advocates.
The outcome attracted particular attention because the overall winner was a young man.
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During the award ceremony, representatives of partner organisations praised the increasing participation of boys in menstrual health advocacy.
The representative of GIZ expressed satisfaction that a male contestant emerged as the overall winner, describing it as evidence that boys are increasingly becoming allies in the fight against menstrual stigma.
Speaking to Hilltop Voices, CAGEAD Executive Director Clotilda Andiensa Waah said the competition was achieving one of its main objectives of encouraging boys to move from being sources of stigma to becoming advocates for change.
"The fact that the first prize was won by a boy and another male contestant also placed among the top three winners shows a major shift. Many boys are becoming interested in normalising menstruation and helping to debunk taboos," she said.
The representative of UNFPA used the occasion to encourage second placed winner Habiba Hodi to serve as a source of menstrual health information within indigenous communities. She was subsequently appointed CAGEAD's Menstrual Hygiene Management Ambassador for Indigenous Communities.
Beyond the competition, participants attended presentations on menstrual hygiene as a human rights issue, the consequences of poor menstrual hygiene practices and findings from a study conducted in schools across Mezam and Donga Mantung Divisions.
The event also witnessed the presentation of the international REDVOCATE Award to CAGEAD in recognition of the organisation's contribution to advancing menstrual dignity.
As organisers prepare for future editions, they believe creative expression is proving to be an effective platform for engaging young people and transforming public attitudes towards menstruation.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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