On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Katchoua Foundation carried out another impactful Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Project at Joy College of Arts, Science, and Technology (JOYCAST) in Limbe I Subdivision, Southwest Region, Cameroon. Under the theme “Understand Her Menstrual Needs,” this intervention continues our mission to empower underprivileged girls through knowledge, dignity, and practical support.
This month’s outreach reached a total of 70 students—36 girls and 30 boys—with additional participation from 4 school staff members.
 Why This Matters
Menstruation remains a sensitive topic in many communities, clouded by stigma, misinformation, and silence. For many underprivileged girls, the lack of access to menstrual products and education contributes to low self-esteem, missed school days, and long-term gender inequality.
By addressing menstrual hygiene openly and compassionately, the Katchoua Foundation aims to:
- Break the stigma surrounding menstruation
- Educate both girls and boys on menstrual health
- Provide practical menstrual supplies to those in need
- Support girls’ right to dignity, education, and equality
Highlights from the Day
 🔹 Education that Changes Minds
The session created a safe space for students to learn and ask questions about periods, hygiene practices, and the challenges many girls face during menstruation. Both girls and boys actively participated, with boys showing curiosity and asking thoughtful questions, while girls shared their experiences with honesty and strength.
🔹 Free Sanitary Pads for All Girls
Every underprivileged girl who attended received free menstrual pads from the foundation, an essential step in reducing school absenteeism and restoring dignity.
🔹 Feedback That Speaks Volumes
The feedback was inspiring. One volunteer noted, “I noticed that attendees were more confident discussing menstrual hygiene after the project. It was a beautiful and necessary conversation to have.”
 It Wasn’t Easy — But It Was Worth It
Organizing this intervention came with challenges, but the impact made every second worth it. Bringing this initiative directly into schools ensures we reach the right audience at the right time — young girls at a pivotal stage in life. Empowering them with information and resources doesn’t just improve their hygiene; it protects their confidence, their education, and their future.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful to our volunteers: Tabi Lucy, Mbi Praxidis, and Tanyi Pascaline Oben, whose dedication brought this April outreach to life. Based on feedback, we are exploring follow-up sessions and expanding our reach to even more schools and communities in the months ahead.
 How You Can Help
Support our mission to make menstrual equity a reality across Cameroon and beyond.
You can:
- Donate to help us reach more schools
- Volunteer with us
- Share our work to raise awarenessÂ
📢 Join us in saying it loud: Every girl deserves to bleed with dignity.
Let’s continue to educate, empower, and uplift — one school at a time.
 #UnderstandHerMenstrualNeeds #KatchouaFoundation #PeriodPoverty #MenstrualHygieneMatters #GirlsDeserveBetter
#CameroonEmpowerment #Joycast2025
