Paving the Way for a Period-Friendly and Dignified Future: CAGEAD Celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026
Under the inspiring theme: "Together for a Period-Friendly World." CAGEAD proudly joined the global community in celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene Day. This special day was dedicated to raising awareness on menstrual health, dignity, and the urgent need for a supportive environment for women and girls everywhere.
Our celebration featured engaging presentations from health experts, panel discussions, awardsx, impactful speeches, MHM Labo visit designed to educate, empower, and inspire action. The event brought together government officials, NGOs, students, parents, and community leaders to discuss key issues surrounding menstruation and explore practical solutions.
Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue but a fundamental human right, this was one of the key highlights by experts during a panel discussion on "Promoting a Period-Friendly World: The Role of CSOs, Schools, and Government." They called for improved sanitation facilities in schools, the removal of taxes on menstrual products, and comprehensive education for both boys and girls to break the silence and stigma around menstruation.
Another important conversation focused on Menstrual Hygiene Products and Taxes. Participants highlighted challenges such as high prices, limited access, and the absence of supportive policies. They urged the government to develop clear programs and policies that ensure affordable, accessible, and quality menstrual products for all, especially those in rural areas.
CAGEAD equally awarded the creativity and resilience of young people who actively participated in the MHM creative and inspiring competition. The winners received cash prizes, certificates, medals, and most importantly, dignity kits comprehensive hygiene to support their menstrual health needs.
The event also featured a powerful speech by MHM Ambassador Marcela Bright, who underscored that menstruation is a human rights issue. She reminded participants that denying women and girls access to proper hygiene facilities and information violates their dignity and hampers their development. She called on everyone policymakers, communities, families, and individuals to work together to create a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, work, and self-esteem.
In line with our commitment, CAGEAD displayed their MHM labor which contains, both sanitary and reusable pads, pocket calendars, menstrual cycles, menstrual beads, pants, robes, tampons, MHM manuals etc where participants were taught how to use each of them, we equally distributed dignity kits symbolizing our pledge to promote menstrual health and dignity across communities. We believe that by working together; government agencies, NGOs, schools, families, and young girls themselves, we can build a world where every girl can manage her menstruation safely, confidently, and with pride.
Through this celebration, CAGEAD reaffirms their dedication to advocating for menstrual health rights and creating inclusive, period-friendly environments. Let’s continue to break the silence, challenge myths, and support girls and women in their journey toward dignity and equality.
Long live the spirit of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.
By Muh Yvonne Nchim