SCHOOL MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PROJECT

Title: Promoting equity and Hygiene: Enhancing access to Menstrual hygiene Education and Products in schools in the Northwest region, Cameroon.

The challenge:

Access to menstrual education and products in schools in the crisis-affected region of the Northwest remains problematic. Approximately 60% of menstruating individuals in schools, especially IDPs and the impoverished, lack access to menstrual products (UNFPA, 2021). This has severe implications for the academic performance and overall well-being of female students.

According to interviews conducted by LISUDEV in 2 public schools in Bamenda I and II in May 2023, 6 out of 10 female students who were IDPs reported experiencing menstruation while in school, with 4 having to leave early or miss school due to a lack of access to menstrual products. This is primarily because more than 80% of schools in Cameroon do not provide menstrual products due to resource constraints and school policies, an issue that LISUDEV aims to address.

Phase I

On May 21, 2024, LISUDEV conducted a Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) campaign at Full Gospel Secondary School Mile 4 Nkwen, Bamenda, Northwest Region, Cameroon. This impactful event aimed to engage teachers and school authorities in a comprehensive dialogue on MHH and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in schools. It also aimed to educate young girls and boys on these MHH and SRHR, fostering a supportive learning environment. Our dedicated team guided them through proper menstrual health and hygiene practices, the menstrual cycle, the importance of support and understanding from both genders, breaking menstrual taboos and sexual reproductive health and rights. The schools authorities were also drilled on how they can also educate students on the importance of MHH and environmental stewardship, encouraging them to be more mindful of their MHH and impact on the environment.

Outcome

– 200 students gained valuable knowledge on MHH and SRHR.
– A MHH club, consisting of 10 students (6 girls and 4 boys) was established during the event. These students will serve as ambassadors to promote MHH within the school.
This initiative is a significant step towards creating a more informed and inclusive community, building hope and self-confidence. The positive feedback and insightful questions from the students underscored the importance of such educational campaigns.
By addressing menstrual health and SRHR openly in schools, we are not only empowering young individuals but also promoting a culture of inclusivity and understanding.