On May 2, 2026, in Bonjo, in the Down Beach area of Limbe I, a joint initiative by the Women and Family Promotion Service and the organization « Girls Excel » raised awareness about menstrual hygiene among nearly 100 adolescent girls. Through education, the distribution of dignity kits, and the creation of a girls’ club,
the initiative provides a concrete response to a health challenge that remains largely taboo.
Distribution of dignity kits to adolescent girls in the city of Limbe.
In Limbe, as in many communities, menstruation remains shrouded in silence, embarrassment, and numerous misconceptions. For many teenage girls, the lack of information and access to appropriate menstrual hygiene products poses a real obstacle to their well-being, as well as to their education. Every month, some miss school due to a lack of suitable options or fear of judgment from others.
It was in this context that an activity led by the Sub-Delegation for the Promotion of Women and the Family of Limbe I, in partnership with the organization Girls Excel, took place on May 2, 2026, in Bonjo, Down Beach. Under the theme « My Period, My Pride and Dignity, » the initiative aimed to inform, raise awareness, and above all, empower young girls to deal with the realities of their bodies.
At the heart of the event, several educational sessions allowed participants to openly discuss topics often considered sensitive. From the importance of education to understanding bodily changes during adolescence, including personal hygiene and managing the menstrual cycle, the discussions were designed to be both accessible and practical. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to break down taboos so
that young women can experience their periods with greater peace of mind and confidence.
But beyond the rhetoric, the initiative distinguished itself through concrete actions. Nearly 100 teenage girls received dignity kits containing buckets, washable sanitary pads, soap, and menstrual cycle tracking bracelets. These simple yet essential tools offer recipients sustainable solutions for better managing their periods on a daily basis. Reusable pads, for example, represent an economical and ecological alternative, while the bracelets allow young girls to better understand and anticipate their cycles.
For the organizers, the goal is clear: to reduce inequalities linked to period poverty and strengthen the autonomy of adolescent girls. Better menstrual management not only improves hygiene, but also restores self-esteem and promotes regular school attendance.
Keen to ensure the long-term sustainability of this initiative, the project also led to the creation of a girls’ club. This space aims to be a safe environment where teenage girls can meet every Saturday to talk, learn, and share their experiences. The Deputy Delegate will play an active role, providing regular support through counseling, listening, and follow-up sessions.
In Limbe I, this initiative illustrates the importance of local approaches, rooted in community realities, to address often invisible issues. By shedding light on menstruation and providing appropriate solutions, it contributes to building a more inclusive environment for young girls.
By breaking taboos and giving teenage girls the means to understand and manage their bodies, it is much more than their daily lives that are transformed: it is their future that is written with more dignity, confidence and ambition.
Ornéla ZANGA
