Bambili, Cameroon - In a heartwarming gesture of support for girls' education, the Center for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) handed over essential menstrual hygiene kits to over 500 girls at CCAST Bambili on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The Director of CAGEAD, Clotilda Andiensa, used the event to emphasized the importance of the project, which says aims to ensure that girls can stay in school without missing classes due to menstruation.
Following the the handover ceremony of the kits and toilet building, the Principal of CCAST Bambili, Fomukong Christopher, expressed gratitude towards CAGEAD, describing the organization as a blessing to the school. He highlighted the significant impact of menstruation on girls' education, noting that they often miss over a month of schooling each year due to the challenges they face during their menstrual cycles.
The girls received a range of menstrual hygiene items, including pads, soap, pants, powdered detergents, and reusable pads to address their menstruation needs effectively. Additionally, CAGEAD has established a Menstrual Hygiene club in the school to provide continuous support and education on menstrual health and hygiene practices.
Clotilda Andiensa has urged parents to support their daughters by consistently providing them with menstrual hygiene items and encouraged them to normalize conversations around menstruation. By breaking the taboo surrounding menstruation, CAGEAD aims to create a supportive environment where girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence.
A five-room toilet building has also been handed to the school. According to CAGEAD authorities,the toilets will allow the menstruating school girls to change themselves and returned to class. The Parents representative has promise to ensure constant water supply for use by the girls.
Internal view of the toilet CAGEAD has also handed additional menstrual hygiene management items to the school infirmary to attend to emergencies that could occur in school.
The initiative by CAGEAD with support from UNWomen not only equips girls with essential menstrual hygiene products but also empowers them to prioritize their education and well-being. The event at CCAST Bambili serves as a beacon of hope for girls in the community, highlighting the importance of inclusive and supportive initiatives to ensure equal access to education for all.
By Bakah Derick