Myths and misconceptions about periods feed into stigma, which is hugely damaging for many girls. There are societies who believe that menstruation is some sort of a taboo hence exacerbates certain cultural beliefs about menstruation.
Menstruation is a natural bodily function, but in some societies, it is forbidden to discuss periods amongst peers. Prior to the day, some Non-governmental Organizations have organized educative talks aimed at sensitizing young girls and distribute hygiene and sanitation kits to combat stigma.
The Welisane Foundation is one of these NGO’S which has assembled hundreds of students in a government school to discuss ways on how to combat stigma and seek appropriate solutions. To the CEO, Welisane Mokwe Nkeng, 1 in 10 girls have access to clean water and good toilet, reasons why most of them are unclean and even shy away from school.
Advising the girls, she urged them not to feel it is a taboo to be on their period, as vaginal bleeding is a normal phenomenon and it occurs as part of a woman’s monthly circle, indicating her growth is normal.
Students present said they often shy away from school, due to stigma and lack of sanitary pads. Nde Cassidy is a participant, she now recounts the ordeal she endured when she experienced her first menses.
To Neh Daisy, CEO of Dream Big Orphanage girls need access to hygiene and sanitation kits for majority of them suffer from lack of equipment. While some use cloths, others use toilet tissues. The government should subsidize prices of sanitary pads for easy access. In Cameroon, prices of sanitary pads ranges from 500 frs and above what every average Cameroonian cannot afford.
The ministry of social affairs is aware of the situation and has been putting in place measures to ensure the students have access to sanitary pads. Equally, teachers have been called upon to ensure proper hygiene in schools , so that the learning milieu will be safe for every student.