Anne Yotchou, Coordinator of CEFAP writes:
"This time we also had produced washable and reusable pads which were distributed to schoolgirls in two schools in two villages, namely the CETIC in Medjo and the Mbemtum School in Tsebem. We were received with a warm welcome and very active and rewarding involvement from the educational community, including the rural women, the mothers of our schoolgirls, and who also worked with us to give our schoolgirls back their confidence. The teachers and administrative staff from both schools also joined during the activities..." Read whole repport here.

Rebecca Juga, president of BAWUFAG, writes:

"...The knowledge (about menstruation) will give the girls  courage, build their capacity to become independent when they are having their periods, build their confidence to stay in school during their periods and dispel myths about menstruation...The girls got to know the theme of this year`s international day celebrating the girl child. Every girl has the right to dream, the power to achieve goals and the courage to change the world. We encouraged them to start working on their dreams and their aspirations as they are the nation builders..."Read whole report

Thérèse Akakpo, Coordinator of LA COLOMBE writes:

"The session focused on personal development, puberty, gender-based violence (GBV) and menstrual hygiene management (MHM)...

The group found out that the main reasons why young people drop out of apprenticeships are pregnancy and lack of awareness. Gender-based violence is also a recurring scourge in communities. Similarly, puberty, the menstrual cycle and its management are not well known. These situations are obstacles that stand in the way of learners' learning. That's why these activities are organised every year to raise awareness...We want to  continue to count on IAW in the years to come..."

Read whole report.

Anuarite Siirewabo, Coordinator of SOFEDEC writes:

"The problem of young people living on the streets in Kinshasa is alarming, with an estimated figure of over 60,000... These young people live in extremely precarious conditions, exposed to violence and sexual promiscuity, and face major educational challenges. This has had a major impact on school-age children up to the age of majority. Some girls become pregnant at an early age and end up on the streets due to a lack of resources and an education conducive to recovery and prevention...

The first aim of our approach is to educate girls and boys about hygienic behaviour in the school environment regarding menstrual circumstances, along with education about sexual and reproductive health..." Read the whole report.

Women Networking  - Seminar
Experiences  Opportunities  Tools

Networking in practice:
Goma Bastola RUWON, Nepal
Edah Gondwe ZAW, Zambia 
Rebecca Juga BAWUFAG, Cameroon

Ms. Edah Chimya, Executive Director of ZAW writes:
"...The focus of the WP event went on beyond distributing menstrual hygiene products and booklets. It helped fostering a deeper understanding of women's bodies and reproductive health...Girls need support for loving and appreciating themselves and their value as being a girl. Poor girls end up quitting school for early marriages because of the need for validation and material support. Therefore the continuation of the WP project is critical for the empowerment of girls with knowledge, skills and sanitary support....Read the whole report.

In 2023 Anne Yotchou, Coordinator of CEFAP Cameroon and involved with the WP project,  presented her plan for the production of  “3000 reusable sanitary pads for underprivileged schoolgirls”. She wanted to produce it together with a few women volunteers based at Yaoundé.
This was a great idea,  but there were no  finances for adequate installations and the fabric needed.
Heidi Bodmer, WP Coordinator, could finally help thanks to her private connections. She organized two well-repaired second-hand electric sewing machines and arranged a free shipping to Cameroon.
Thanks to this support further necessary appliances, the fabric for the sanitary pads plus the snacks for the seamstresses could now be provided. 
After the working-place had been installed Anne  Yotchou and her team started the production in February 2024. It is a one-year pilot project.

Photo: Anne Yotchou presenting a reusable pad

Goma Bastola, president of RUWON writes:

"... During the event, the female students who have reached the age of menstruation were provided with an Eco-friendly sanitary kit and an educational booklet. The rest of the students of the school were provided with stationery and booklets. We are very proud of the meaningful work done for girls and women.... The school family is very happy and thankful towards RUWON Nepal and IAW for this wonderful project. According to them they want the continuation of the projects in upcoming years too..."
read whole report

Giselle RUBAMBURA BAwili,  SOFEDEC/NK Coordinator writes:

"The event took place at the UZIMA BORA school in a classroom. At first the girls were separated from the boys, to make them understand that they should never be ashamed to talk about menstruation amongst themselves. After that, the boys joined in, and the atmosphere was good...The school authorities and parents asked that these activities be carried out regularly, as it saves children's lives by putting them on the right track for their future.

Some parents and teachers said that several girls had been raped on the road during their period, when they wanted to go home to hide from the stigma. Some others had been abducted and gone missing.

That's why these activities have such an important protective dimension, far beyond health and hygiene!.."
Read the whole report
We are very thankful about the pictures and the report, because this event took place in the middle of a war zone .