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INTRODUCTION
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On May 28th, 2025, in honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Lifafa Research Foundation carried out a transformative Menstrual Hygiene Campaign at College Sylvia in Douala. This event was more than just a teaching session it was a movement to demystify menstruation, equip adolescent girls with vital knowledge, and promote dignity, confidence, and health. With over 200 enthusiastic students in attendance, the campaign highlighted our commitment to advancing menstrual health and hygiene in schools and communities.
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Why Menstrual Health Education Matters
Menstruation is a natural biological process that signifies the transition into womanhood for many girls. Yet, it is often shrouded in silence, myths, and shame especially in many African communities. Lack of accurate information and access to proper menstrual products not only affects the self-esteem of adolescent girls but also contributes to school absenteeism, poor hygiene practices, and reproductive health complications.
At LRF, we believe that education is the first step toward empowerment. When girls understand their bodies, they can make informed decisions, take care of their health, and navigate puberty with confidence. This belief is what drives our menstrual hygiene campaigns across Cameroon, and our visit to College Sylvia was a testament to that vision.
Setting the Tone: A Warm Welcome
The campaign kicked off at exactly 10:00 AM with the arrival of the LRF team on campus. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and curiosity as students gathered in anticipation. The event officially began with a heartfelt word of welcome from the principal and the dean of studies, who expressed gratitude to the LRF team for addressing such a crucial but often overlooked subject.
This was followed by the introduction of the LRF team members, giving students a chance to know the people behind the organization and setting a tone of approachability and openness. A brief presentation on the mission and work of LRF then followed, where students learned about the Foundation’s broader goals in health education, youth empowerment, and community well-being.
Breaking the Silence: The Educational Session
The heart of the campaign was the educational session on menstruation and menstrual hygiene, presented in both English and French to ensure inclusivity for all students.
The session began with a clear and relatable definition of menstruation, explaining it as a normal, healthy process experienced by females during their reproductive years. The facilitators then moved on to menstrual hygiene practices, covering both reusable and disposable sanitary pads. The topics included:
How to correctly wear and remove pads
Safe disposal of used pads
Cleaning and care during menstruation
Recommended pad usage duration (3–4 hours per pad)
Importance of hygiene to prevent infections and maintain health
These practical tips were presented with visual demonstrations, which were particularly helpful for many students who were encountering such detailed explanations for the first time.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation
A key part of the teaching session was helping students understand their menstrual cycles and ovulation periods, an area often poorly understood.
Using cycle charts and colorful menstrual bracelets, students were taught how to track their menstrual cycles, starting from the first day of their flow in one month to the first day of their next period. Facilitators explained that while the average cycle lasts 28 days, it can vary between 21 and 35 days, depending on the individual.
Importantly, the session also included a lesson on ovulation, which helped students know the fertile window in their cycle. This part of the campaign did not only equipped the girls with knowledge to manage their periods better but also introduced them to fundamental concepts in reproductive health.
A Space to Speak: Interactive Q&A Session
One of the most memorable parts of the event was the interactive question and answer session. Students were encouraged to voice their questions though timidly at first, but they later growing confidence as they realized they were in a safe and non-judgmental space. The French-speaking students, in particular, engaged deeply during this session, highlighting the value of bilingual education in reaching diverse student populations. Questions ranged from practical concerns like “What if my period starts at school?” to deeper questions about bodily changes and health concerns.
Gifts of Empowerment: Bracelets and Pads
To reinforce the day’s lessons and give students tools they could use beyond the classroom, the LRF team distributed free menstrual bracelets designed to help track cycles. This simple yet innovative tool helps girls understand their personal cycle rhythm and plan ahead with confidence.
Additionally, sanitary pads were distributed to all participants, ensuring that no girl was left without the basic means to manage her period hygienically. These materials were received with joy and gratitude, especially among students who face economic constraints.
Lasting Impact: Ending on a High Note
By 12 noon, the event came to a close, but the energy in the room remained high. Laughter, gratitude, and hope filled the space as the campaign wrapped up with group photos and farewells.
For many of the students, this was the first time they had spoken openly about menstruation. For others, it was the first time they received clear, factual information about their bodies. And for all, it was a powerful reminder that their health matters.
Looking Ahead
The Menstrual Hygiene Campaign at College Sylvia marked a significant step forward in LRF’s ongoing mission to empower adolescent girls in Cameroon. By giving them the tools to understand and manage their menstrual health, we are helping to build a generation of confident, informed, and healthy young women.
But our work doesn’t stop here. As we look ahead, we aim to replicate this campaign in other schools and communities especially in underserved areas where menstrual health remains a taboo. We are calling on partners, educators, and community leaders to join hands with us in ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period.
Want to Support the Cause?
If you are inspired by our work and want to contribute, consider supporting us through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness. Together, we can create a world where menstruation is not a burden, but a stepping stone to empowerment.
Contact us: info@lifafarf.org/ lifafarfoundation@gmail.com
Visit our website: https://lifafarf.org
