Massanga Marcela Bright, Crowned MHM Ambassador for Mezam by CAGEAD

The Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) has officially recognized and crowned a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Ambassador for Mezam Division. This title has been awarded to Massanga Marcela-Bright, a passionate and dedicated Upper Sixth Science student at Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Bamenda, who will take up the role of sensitizing, advocating, creating awareness, and promoting positive conversations around menstruation.

The crowning took place during CAGEAD’s commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2025. Marcela’s outstanding commitment to menstrual health and hygiene advocacy made her the ideal candidate for the title. As an active MHM peer educator and club coordinator, she has left an impressive mark within her school and community.

 Marcela’s journey with CAGEAD began through its MHM project focused on improving girls’ educational attainment through proper menstrual hygiene management practices. Over the past two years, she has led an MHM club of 50 students, 35 girls and 15 boys using a manual provided by CAGEAD to teach her peers about menstruation and best hygiene practices. Her dedication has extended beyond the school gates, as she has taken her advocacy to families, community youth, and parents challenging deeply rooted taboos and myths surrounding menstruation.

“I have been able to help my friends, especially those who have not been able to go to school or do not have MHM clubs in their schools, by educating them and raising awareness on menstruation,” Marcela shared. “I have also worked to debunk harmful beliefs like the idea that menstruating girls should remain hidden. Now, girls in my community can cook, clean, and go about their daily activities confidently, even while menstruating.”

Marcela-Bright

_{Marcela at the Africa Education INDABA Conference 2025}

Marcela's contributions have gained widespread recognition. She was recently featured as a panelist at the 2025 Africa Education INDABA Conference, where she shared her advocacy journey with CAGEAD and the positive changes the organization has brought to her and her peers. She equally participated in CAGEAD’s MHM advocacy meeting attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from health-related ministries, civil society organizations, and principals from 10 schools across the Northwest Region. There, she used the opportunity to advocate for improved MHM resources in schools and communities. She was also a contestant of CAGEAD’S MHM creatives online contest where she used her creative skills to create compelling content educating the public on menstruation.

Crowned as the MHM Ambassador, Marcela expressed her excitement and joy in knowing her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has pledged to continue her advocacy work, even as she prepares to transition from high school to university. Determined to carry the legacy forward, Marcela plans to establish an MHM club at the university level and reach even more young people with her message.

Marcela’s journey serves as evidence to the power of youth advocacy and the impact of targeted community empowerment projects. Her story not only reflects the success of CAGEAD’s MHM initiative but also serves as a source of inspiration for other young people. As she steps into her new role as MHM Ambassador for Mezam, Marcela remains committed to breaking the silence, stigma, and ensuring that menstruation is recognized as a natural, normal, and dignified experience for all.

                                                                                                                             

By Beizeh Amalia