Vision in Action Cameroon’s Menstrual Health Education with Adolescent Girls in School

Menstruation is a natural process that occurs in the female body, yet it is often surrounded by stigma and shame. This can lead to a lack of knowledge and understanding about menstrual health, particularly among adolescent girls. In many parts of the world, girls miss school during their periods due to inadequate facilities or embarrassment. However, menstrual health education can help to break down these barriers and empower girls to manage their periods with confidence.

The Importance of Menstrual Health Education

Menstrual health education is essential for adolescent girls as it helps them to understand their bodies and the changes they are experiencing. It also provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their periods safely and hygienically. This can help to reduce the risk of infections and other health problems. Additionally, menstrual health education can help to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote gender equality.

Challenges Faced by Adolescent girls

Adolescent girls face many challenges when it comes to managing their periods. In many parts of the world, there is a lack of adequate facilities such as toilets, clean water, and sanitary products. This can make it difficult for girls to manage their periods safely and hygienically. Additionally, there is often a lack of knowledge and understanding about menstrual health, which can lead to embarrassment and shame. This can result in girls missing school during their periods, which can have a significant impact on their education and future opportunities.

How Menstrual Health Education Can Help

Menstrual health education can help to address these challenges by providing girls with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their periods safely and hygienically. It can also help to break down the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote gender equality. By educating girls about menstrual health, we can empower them to take control of their bodies and their lives. This can have a positive impact on their education, health, and overall well-being

In conclusion, menstrual health education is essential for adolescent girls as it helps them to understand their bodies, manage their periods safely and hygienically, and break down the stigma surrounding menstruation. By providing girls with the knowledge and skills they need, we can empower them to take control of their lives and achieve their full potential. It is important that we continue to prioritize menstrual health education in schools and communities around the world.

Last year Vision in Action Cameroon increased access to information for 4809 adolescent girls using focus group discussion and door-to-door sensitization on menstrual health management practices , distributed  200 reusable sanitary pads, provided 1867 menstrual beads and 100 comic books on menstrual health management and practices. 26 health services providers and 100 parents in rural communities were engaged to provide menstrual health management and practices support to adolescent girls in communities.