CAGEAD Celebrates World Hygiene Day 2026 through Inspiring Panel Discussions to Promote a Period-Friendly World
This year, CAGEAD proudly joined the global community in celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, under the powerful theme, "Together for a Period-Friendly World." The celebration was marked by engaging panel discussions that shed light on the urgent need to make menstruation a dignified, stigma-free experience for girls and women everywhere.
The first panel focused on “Promoting a Period-Friendly World: The Role of CSOs, Schools, and Government” moderated by Mme. Nene Nembo of Rural and Urban Grassroots Business Women Association - RUGBWA brought together key stakeholders, including MINPROF, CBC, and CAGEAD’s MHM Ambassador Mezam. As emphasized by MINPROF, MHM is about respecting the natural process of menstruation while ensuring access to dignity kits containing pads, toiletries, and sanitation facilities that empower women to manage their periods with dignity. CBC highlighted the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities, stressing that accessible information, inclusive toilets, and tailored support are essential for ensuring they too can manage menstruation comfortably and safely. The discussion underscored that creating period-friendly spaces clean, accessible environments equipped with water, toilets, and proper disposal measures will help foster friendship, understanding, and acceptance among girls and women.
The conversation also revealed that despite government efforts, in partnership with UN agencies like UNFPA and UN Women, focus on reducing taxes on menstrual hygiene products and raising awareness, a significant gap still remains. Cameroon currently lacks a comprehensive national policy dedicated to menstrual hygiene management. Participants called for urgent action, urging both policymakers and civil society to include disability-specific needs in their programs and to make menstrual products more affordable and accessible, especially in rural areas. The panel emphasized that menstruation should never be a taboo. Instead, everyone parents, teachers, community leaders, and girls themselves must become ambassadors of menstrual health, promoting openness and support.
Moderated by Mme Ndema Irene of CAMNAFAW, the second panel focused on menstrual hygiene products and their accessibility. Stakeholders, including representatives from MINJEC, CAWAS, students, and parents, discussed the barriers girls face, such as high costs, limited availability, and social stigmas. While the government is willing to support projects promoting access to hygiene products, there is an urgent need for policies that prioritize subsidized or free menstrual products. The panel also explored the mental health impact of menstruation, noting that many girls experience anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings due to lack of information and support. Participants agreed that community sensitization, capacity building in schools, and forming advocacy coalitions are vital steps toward creating lasting change.
As part of the celebration, participants committed to concrete actions over the coming year, including sensitizing communities, training teachers, and integrating menstrual health education into school and holidays programs. Fostering a supportive environment requires collective effort, and everyone has a role in breaking taboos and promoting menstrual dignity.
CAGEAD’s participation in this MHM day celebration reinforces our dedication to ensuring that menstruation is no longer a barrier but a source of pride and empowerment. Together, through these insightful discussions and collective commitments, we are taking vital steps toward building a world where every girl can manage her periods with confidence, dignity, and pride, because a period-friendly world is not just an aspiration but a right everyone deserves.
By Muh Yvonne Nchim