Menstruation Hygiene Management Programme Report
Objectives
Improve menstrual hygiene management through knowledge improvement and the provision of both disposal and locally produced reusable pads to In-school and out of school adolescent girls.
TARGET POPULATION
IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL ADOLESCENT YOUNG GIRLS IN THE NORTHWEST REGION OF CAMEROON
In 2020, CAGEAD carried out a series of activities to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene management practices among IDPs, out of school and in school adolescent girls.
KNOWLEGDE IMPROVEMENT
CAGEAD provided lessons on menstruation management to 50 students from 5 schools in Bamenda III council area. Schools are, GBHS Atiela, St Pauls comprehensive High school, GTHS Kueng, St Michael comprehensive High school and GBHS Bayele. In the workshops the students received information on what menstruation is, the signs, frequency of flow and proper hygiene practices to stay safe and maintain dignity. At the end of the training the students received free pads
CAGEAD also identified 28 adolescent young girls who are all IDPs. They received lessons on menstrual hygiene management, pregnancy prevention and sexually transmissible diseases.
Each of them went home with a bag of dignity kits including pants, pads and washing soap.
PYSCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID
CAGEAD also identified 10 victims of SGBV in Bamenda. A clinical psychologist was hired who is offering the counselling and other related services, at the end of their initial training on trauma healing. They received dignity kits made up of pads, pants and washing soap with food items.
SCHOOL-BASED SENSITISATION
CAGEAD facilitates gender and human rights clubs in 5 colleges in Bamenda city.
Despite the challenges, CAGEAD succeeded in sensitizing students as well as administrators on menstrual hygiene management from time to time. Most of the times the peer educators attended workshops and meetings out of school.
RADIO SENSITIZATION
CAGEAD carried out five radio programs bringing the young girls to the radio to share their experiences and challenges in managing menstruation both at home and school highlighting especially issues of stigma related to taboos and cultural beliefs and the lack of commitment on the part of the parents and schools and governments to provide adequate menstrual management products
WORLD MENSTRUATION DAY 2020
Under the theme: ”Innovation in Menstrual Hygiene management, Putting Girls at the center”
CAGEAD brought together students from 5 colleges in Bamenda city. Here, these peer educators benefited relevant information to change the negative social norms surrounding menstruation, providing alternative sustainable options for managing menstrual health in pandemics, gender based violence (GBV) and sexual reproductive health (SRH). The highlights of this workshop was the production and distribution of locally produced reusable sanitary pads. These peer educators are teaching other young girls in their schools and communities.
PRODUCTION OF IEC MATERIAL (MENSTRUATION AWARENESS RAISING VDEO)
CAGEAD also produced a shot skit raising awareness on menstruation education to the beginners targeting both parents and young girls. This video was posted on Facebook and twitter and it attracted so many likes and comments.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The school based approach seems to be the best. This is because provides a forum where we can meet both the girls and their parents and also the school administration. It offers an opportunity for key stake holders to be sensitized and consulted
There is need for more clubs to be formed in other schools and taught on the production of reusable pads.
Thousands of adolescent girls and young women in the NW region are in need of menstrual management products.