For many girls, their first menstrual period is not remembered as a success story of growing up but as a frightening experience marked by confusion, embarrassment and silence. Some miss school. Others hide in shame. Many simply have no one to explain what is happening to their bodies.
It was these lived realities that was at the forefront in Njinikom, Boyo Division, as the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) marked the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with an awareness campaign aimed at transforming attitudes towards menstruation and creating what organisers described as a "period friendly World."
Held under the theme "together for a #periodfriendlyworld," the event formed part of CAGEAD's strengthening community resilience and organisational capacity for sustainable development project and brought together more than 88 young girls, young women and men for a day of learning, interaction and practical demonstrations.
The programme sought to address one of the least discussed but most significant challenges affecting adolescent girls and women. Despite menstruation being a natural biological process experienced by millions across the world, stigma, myths, misinformation and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products continue to deny many girls the confidence, dignity and opportunities they deserve.
These barriers often force girls to miss school, withdraw from community activities and suffer in silence because menstruation remains a taboo subject in many communities.
Against this backdrop, CAGEAD created an environment where participants could speak openly about menstruation without fear of judgement.
The day opened with an interactive menstrual health session led by facilitators who explained the menstrual cycle, proper hygiene practices, pain management, common menstrual disorders and the importance of seeking medical attention when necessary.
Participants were also guided through widespread myths and misconceptions that continue to shape harmful attitudes towards menstruation.
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Organisers said the objective was not only to improve knowledge but also to empower girls and young women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health while encouraging boys and men to become supportive partners in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation.
Learning extended beyond the classroom through a menstrual hygiene fair where participants visited educational booths displaying a wide range of menstrual hygiene products developed through the Menstrual Hygiene Management Laboratory.
The exhibition introduced participants to disposable sanitary pads, reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, menstrual hygiene kits, menstrual education materials and menstrual tracking tools.
Practical demonstrations enabled participants to understand the advantages and limitations of each product, proper usage techniques, safe disposal methods and the cleaning and storage of reusable products.
One of the most emotional moments of the event came during an experience sharing session, where young girls recounted the challenges they faced when they experienced menstruation for the first time.
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One participant recalled how her first menstrual period began while she was preparing for examinations.
"My first menstrual flow came when I was preparing for my exams. I told my mum and she gave me a pad. I never knew what menstruation was, let alone how to use a pad. When I got to school, I felt uncomfortable and removed it. I bled on my uniform and had to return home. Afterwards, my mother sent me to my aunt, who taught me about menstruation and how to use a pad properly," she said.
Her story echoed the experiences of many girls who admitted they entered puberty without adequate information, leaving them frightened and unprepared when menstruation began.
The session also encouraged participants to discuss community myths, recognise positive support received from parents, teachers and friends, and propose practical ways of creating communities where menstruation is discussed openly rather than hidden in secrecy.
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The awareness campaign also featured a practical workshop on producing menstrual cycle bead bracelets. Participants learned how to assemble personalised menstrual beads to help monitor different phases of their menstrual cycles and improve cycle tracking.
For the girls, it was the first time they had been introduced to a simple, visual tool for understanding their reproductive health.
Recognising that awareness alone is not enough, CAGEAD concluded the event by distributing menstrual hygiene kits to participating girls.
Each kit contained disposable sanitary pads, underwear, a bucket, soap, detergent and a bathing towel to enable beneficiaries to manage menstruation safely, comfortably and with dignity.
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Organisers noted that access to menstrual hygiene materials remains a major obstacle for many girls, particularly in rural and conflict affected communities, where financial constraints often force girls to rely on unsafe alternatives.
By providing essential hygiene supplies, the organisation hopes to reduce health risks, minimise school absenteeism and restore confidence among adolescent girls.
By engaging girls, women and men in the same conversations, CAGEAD challenged long held taboos and promoted a future where menstruation is understood as a normal biological process rather than a source of shame.
By Asheri Loveline for Hilltopvoices Web
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