CAGEAD Commemorates World Menstrual Hygiene Day with 80 Girls in Boyo Division

In the heart of Boyo Division, Fundong, the Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) in partnership with the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) under the project launched to promote positive sexuality among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), joined the global celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World". This celebration provided an important platform to uplift the health, dignity, and well-being of girls and young women in the division.

  The event brought together 80 AGYW from Belo, Njinikom, and Fundong, alongside important dignitaries including the Mayor of Fundong, the Senior Divisional Officer for Boyo, the Director of the Women’s Empowerment Centre in Fundong, school principals, and PTA chairpersons.         

                                                                         _{SDO's Assistant Fundong addressing AGYW}                          

The celebration was more than a commemoration; it was a call to action. During the ceremony, young girls passionately voiced their concerns and demands to stakeholders, placing the spotlight on the urgent need for tax exemptions on sanitary pads, Provision of water and menstrual-friendly facilities in schools and communities, and the Integration of menstrual health education into the national school curriculum amongst other demands.

_{AGYW presenting their advocacy messages}

The stakeholders listened attentively to the pleas and responded with encouragement, making known their efforts in ensuring that girls menstruate comfortably and equally assured ongoing support, promising to work towards creating an environment where menstruation is no longer a source of shame, but a well-supported part of every girl’s life. They also called on the girls to take responsibility in maintaining menstrual-friendly environments in their schools and communities.

 _{1st deputy Mayor Fundong addressing AGYW}

As a major activity during the event, CAGEAD installed an MHM Ambassador to champion menstrual health in Boyo. During an outstanding pageant contest, six young girls showcased their passion for menstrual health advocacy through symbolic parades and compelling campaign speeches. Akoni Eden Bih, a Lower Sixth science student at Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Fundong, emerged victorious and was crowned MHM Ambassador for Boyo Division. Her outstanding contributions to MHM awareness in her school and community set her apart as a true advocate for change. The girls who attended this event expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn, advocate, and be heard.

_{Director RD MINPROFF and MHM Ambassador Fundong}

CAGEAD’s commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 was a powerful reminder of what community-led advocacy can achieve. Centering the voices of young girls, mobilizing stakeholders, and promoting menstrual hygiene, the event laid a strong foundation for lasting change in Boyo Division. With leaders like Akoni Eden Bih stepping forward as MHM ambassadors, the vision of a period-friendly world is absolutely possible.

 

By Amalia Beizeh