Katchoua Foundation Monthly Menstrual Hygiene Program: Empowering Women in Njitem, Adamawa, Cameroon
At the Katchoua Foundation, our commitment to women’s health and empowerment knows no bounds. On September 16-17, 2023, we continued our mission with our monthly Menstrual Hygiene Program, under the theme, “Understanding Her Menstrual Needs.” This program stands as a testament to our dedication to providing free menstrual hygiene education and distributing essential sanitary pads to disadvantaged girls and women in Njitem, Adamawa, Cameroon.
Addressing Key Areas for Improved Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Our focus for this month’s program centered on four crucial pillars for enhancing menstrual health and hygiene:
Social Support: We believe that emotional and community support is fundamental. Menstruation is a natural aspect of a woman’s life, and it should never be a source of shame or discomfort. Our program fosters a supportive environment where women can openly discuss their menstrual experiences, ask questions, and receive the encouragement they deserve.
Knowledge and Skills: Education is empowerment. During our program, we provided comprehensive menstrual hygiene education. Our goal is to ensure that every woman understands the intricacies of her menstrual cycle, how to maintain proper hygiene, and how to manage any challenges that may arise.
Facilities and Services: Access to clean and safe facilities is critical for maintaining good menstrual hygiene. We strive to improve facilities and services in the communities we serve, ensuring that women have a comfortable and hygienic environment during their menstrual periods.
Access to Absorbent Materials and Supportive Supplies: To alleviate the financial burden of menstrual products, we distributed free sanitary pads to less privileged girls and women. Access to high-quality absorbent materials is a basic right, and we are committed to making this a reality for those we serve.
Empowering Through Knowledge
One of the highlights of this month’s program was the practical training session on using sanitary pads. Empowering the ladies with knowledge about proper pad usage ensures that they can manage their menstrual hygiene effectively and with confidence.
We also addressed common questions that women often have, such as whether they should drink lukewarm or cold-water during menstruation. Providing accurate information is essential in dispelling myths and ensuring that women make informed choices about their health.
At the Katchoua Foundation, we understand that supporting women’s menstrual health is not just a matter of hygiene; it’s a matter of dignity and empowerment. We will continue our efforts to break down barriers and create a world where every woman can experience menstruation with confidence and pride.
Join us in our mission to uplift and empower women. Together, we can make a difference.
