May 28 is Menstrual Hygiene Day
Young women are the backbone of our societies, and they deserve access to safe and dignified solutions to managing their periods and the freedom to rise to their dreams and achieve their true potential.
The ongoing crisis in the Southwest and Northwest Regions of Cameroon has escalated the need to provide sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education to internally displaced young women. During their periods, girls continue to rely on leaves, pieces of used clothing, foam mattress scraps, and banana fibers. To avoid shame and embarrassment during unavoidable accidental leaks, young girls resort to skipping school, leading to high absenteeism and dropout rates.
The One-Girl, One Pad Campaign seeks to curb the high rates of menstrual-related absenteeism, increase school attendance, and increase young girls' self-confidence. At JLU we believe when we empower young girls, we empower the nation.
JLU celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day by launching the One-Girl, One Pad Program. Activities include but are not limited to:
Breaking the silence, raising awareness and changing negative social norms around MHH though education and celebration of womanhood.
Distributing disposable pads to over 500 young girls and women in IDP populated areas.
Current beneficiaries include young girls and women in these areas in the S.W Region: Buea (GS Buea town, Bokwai Community, Bokwango Community, Government Technical College, Tole Community, Bova Community, Muyuka IDPs Living within Buea town & GBHS Muea) Limbe (Government School Towe, Government Practicing School Towe, Middle Farms Quarter 3&4 Community, Save the Children Alliance Orphanage, Dilligent Home Orphanage, Children Full of Grace Orphanage) & Tiko Community.
All recipients will be entitled to one year's supply of disposable pads, detergent for hygiene management, educational material and a menstrual cycle bracelet.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good menstrual health & hygiene is critical to achieve a range of SDGs, including SDGs 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 12
"Girls are one of the most powerful forces for change in the world: When their rights are recognized, their needs are met, and their voices are heard, they drive positive change in their families, their communities, and the world."
~Kathy Calvin, United Nations Foundation President & CEO.
Click here to support the ongoing project.