CAGEAD joins the rest of the world to Celebrate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025
CAGEAD CEO with MHMCC Winners and MHM Ambassador Mezam
In a heartfelt display of dedication to menstrual health awareness, CAGEAD actively participated in the worldwide observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. This year's inspiring theme, "Together for a Period-Friendly World," emphasizes the power of collective effort in promoting good MHM and dismantling the silence and stigma that surround menstruation.
The day was commemorated through an award ceremony of CAGEAD'S MHM creatives competition that had in attendance passionate contestants from the 10 regions of Cameroon, CAGEADs CEO, communication specialist, Baka Derick, sexual reproductive health rights experts and CAGEADs staff.
During the event, contestants shared the reason behind their interests in advocating for proper MHM. One of them was motivated by her neighbor's struggle to afford sanitary products, which led her to join the movement to combat period poverty and promote affordable menstrual hygiene solutions. 
Another, a young girl from a community with harmful traditional practices, where women are forced to sit on a bucket during their menses, joined the contest to challenge these norms and raise awareness. These participants' stories highlighted the importance of empathy, empowerment, and community support in promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, with some sharing experiences of stigma and shame, while others emphasized the need for equality and collective action to create a supportive environment for those who menstruate.
MHM Ambassador Mezam
The event also saw the recognition and crowning of an MHM ambassador for Mezam. Masanga Marcela, a dedicated young advocate, was crowned Menstrual Hygiene Ambassador for Mezam Division due to her outstanding commitment to promoting menstrual health and hygiene. As a peer educator and coordinator of an MHM club, Marcela has made a significant impact in her school and community through her work with CAGEAD's MHM project. Over the past two years, she has successfully led the club, teaching peers about menstruation and best hygiene practices, and has extended her advocacy efforts to families, youth, and parents, challenging harmful taboos and myths surrounding menstruation.
CAGEAD CEO adressing participants
CAGEAD's CEO, Mme Clotilda Andiensa Waah while addressing the participants in her speech congratulated Marcela, stressed the need for accessible menstrual hygiene products, and praised the participants for their advocacy efforts. she encouraged them to continue promoting menstrual health awareness, advocating for open discussions, and seeking support from the state and educational institutions. Mme Waah also assured them of CAGEAD's ongoing support and guidance in their advocacy work.
Throughout the event, these voices underscored the urgent need to combat stigma, break taboos, and recognize menstrual hygiene as a fundamental human right. CAGEAD’s efforts exemplify how collective action, education, and compassion can pave the way toward a more inclusive, period-friendly world.
As the world continues to champion menstrual health, initiatives like CAGEAD’s MHM creatives competition serve as powerful reminders that change begins with awareness. Through education and empathy, we can ensure that no girl or woman is left behind due to stigma or lack of resources and a future where every woman and girl can embrace her menstruation with dignity and confidence.
By Yvonne Muh