Stakeholders from government ministries, civil society organisations, schools and youth groups have called for coordinated action to tackle period poverty and create a more supportive environment for girls and women across Cameroon.
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The concerns were raised during the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration organised by the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development, CAGEAD, under the theme "together for a period friendly world".
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated annually on May 28 to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene management, challenge stigma and advocate for menstrual friendly policies and infrastructure.
One of the major discussions focused on the role of schools, government institutions and civil society organisations in promoting a period friendly world.
Participants agreed that access to essential facilities such as toilets, water supply, waste disposal systems and menstrual products remains inadequate in many communities.
Representatives from the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family, MINPROFF, acknowledged ongoing efforts through partnerships with organisations such as UN Women and UNFPA but noted that Cameroon still lacks a standalone national policy dedicated specifically to menstrual hygiene management.
Panelists also highlighted the situation of girls living with disabilities, describing inadequate access to information, menstrual products and inclusive infrastructure as major barriers.
The second panel discussion examined the relationship between menstrual hygiene products, taxation and access.
Participants expressed concern over the high cost of sanitary pads, particularly in rural communities where poverty further limits access.
Habiba Hodi shared experiences from remote communities where many girls struggle to purchase menstrual products due to rising prices and limited availability.
Several speakers questioned the continued taxation of menstrual products and advocated for policies that would make sanitary pads more affordable or freely available.
Representatives from CAWAS Yaya Emelienne and other civil society organisations called for a national advocacy movement pushing for free menstrual products, arguing that menstruation is a biological reality rather than a choice.
Officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, MINJEC, indicated that while no dedicated menstrual hygiene programme currently exists within the ministry, menstrual health initiatives could receive support through youth development projects and funding opportunities.
Mental health also emerged as a recurring concern. Participants noted that inadequate information about menstruation contributes to fear, anxiety, stigma and psychological distress among adolescent girls.
Recommendations from the discussions included integrating menstrual hygiene education into school programmes, training teachers, strengthening community awareness campaigns, increasing support for girls with disabilities and building stronger coalitions to advocate for policy reforms.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices after the event, CAGEAD Executive Director Clotilda Andiensa Waah said the discussions reflected the organisation's growing focus on mental health, disability inclusion and environmental sustainability in menstrual health programming.
Participants ended the sessions with a collective commitment to serve as menstrual hygiene advocates in their communities and to continue pushing for policies that ensure no girl is denied dignity, education or opportunity because of her period.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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