By Nkengafack Eucharia
Cameroonian adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are leading the fight for menstrual health justice and dignity (MHJD), despite global funding cuts to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), entrenched cultural stereotypes, taxes on pads, stigmatisation, and menstrual shaming. The lack of support for MHJD has sparked a backlash, yet courageous AGYW continue to amplify the #EndTaxOnPad237 campaign, leveraging digital technology and mobilising communities for dignified periods.
Menstruation, a natural part of life, frequently leaves AGYW in Cameroon struggling to manage their periods safely. Sanitary pads remain expensive, with periods generally lasting 3 to 7 days each month and requiring at least four pad changes daily. A pack of 10 pads costs 600-850 XAF, making the monthly average expense around 2100 XAF (approx. $3.50 USD). This is unattainable for many, as 51.1% of women in Cameroon live below the poverty line, and 79.2% are underemployed. The feminisation of poverty deepens period poverty, making dignified menstrual management an ongoing challenge.
This is what backlash on menstrual dignity looks like: Taxing pads, permitting price hikes, and disregarding that women are among the poorest is a clear manifestation of this backlash. Taxing menstrual products extends inequality by hampering AGYW’s participation in education and work, slowing progress toward gender equality. Sparked by this injustice, AGYW launched the #EndTaxOnPads237 campaign – demanding the removal of taxes on sanitary pads.
AGYW Advocate Ndum Charlotte, a campaign leader since its inception, explains, “Ending taxes on menstrual products is a decisive step toward dismantling structural gender inequalities. Taxing pads as luxury items upholds economic barriers, denying millions of girls and women the dignity they deserve. The End Tax on Pads campaign calls on governments to recognise menstrual health as a human right. Making pads affordable and accessible empowers girls to stay in school, women to work without interruption, and moves communities closer to gender equality.”
Beyond economic barriers, menstrual stigma and shaming persist. Many women and girls are ridiculed for period stains, and premenstrual symptoms are often dismissed. This fuels silence about menstruation and pushes girls to use unsafe alternatives, risking further reproductive health issues.
Cynthia Bih is a student who has experienced stigma during her periods. “My experience hasn’t been the best. One week before day one, I automatically fall sick, making me inactive during the rest of the week. I have to take injections to ease the pain. To an extent, many people say I am exaggerating, which makes me feel bad. Sometimes, I pass out in school, so I stay home till my period is over.’ Cynthia has found courage through her lived experience to raise awareness about menstruation. She believes that her feelings are authentic regardless of external opinions. “I decided to join menstrual health advocacy because I noticed many girls are going through the same challenges I am facing. Also, the prices of pads are increasing. People have different feelings during menstruation. They are valid, ’Cynthia adds.
Backlash against menstrual dignity is also coded in harmful cultural norms and stereotypes, where women during their periods are considered unclean and prohibited from participating in certain activities or entering sacred places. Periods are stereotyped as “a woman’s sickness,” labelling menses as a health predicament and punishment upon women, thus reinforcing low self-esteem and isolation during periods. In the different cultural settings in Cameroon, there is no place for comprehensive sexuality education and conversations about menstruation.
Mercy Cheah is an AGYW advocate whose journey was born out of personal experiences and curiosity. To her, engaging in communities and penetrating cultures is a hassle. “It hasn’t been easy. Culture runs deep. I’ve had people tell me, “Women these days complain too much. Our mothers went through it quietly.” Comments like that remind me just how much cultural beliefs and generational silence still shape our conversations about menstruation.’ She has committed to contributing to shaping cultures and dismantling stereotypes. ‘’I keep going. Every time I distribute pads, lead an awareness session, or talk about period poverty, I’m reminded that advocacy is about restoring dignity. Menstrual health is not a privilege. It’s a basic human right tied to education, equality, and self-worth. For me, talking about menstruation isn’t seeking attention. It is reclaiming dignity. And until every girl can manage her period with confidence, safety, and pride, this work will continue.’
Among good practices for resisting backlash is the #EndTaxOnPads237 campaign, thriving both online and within communities. The campaign centres on co-creating advocacy messages, using hashtags, and engaging stakeholders for stronger campaigns on social platforms like Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Community sensitisation has been a key component for dispelling myths and stereotypes, helping people know more facts about menstruation and their responsibilities in destigmatising periods. “I am reminded that young women and girls are rising and ready to lead. So yes, young women and girls are shaping the future of our communities, not someday, but right now. My role as an advocate and mentor is to keep creating spaces for them to be heard, to lead, and to thrive. When one girl finds her voice, she lights the way for many others,” says Agnes Njang, gender advocate and community leader passionate about empowering young girls and women in grassroots communities to live with confidence, dignity, and purpose.
Men and boys are crucial partners in menstrual health advocacy. Their involvement helps normalise discussions, reduce stigma, and support policies ensuring equal access to resources, especially in schools. Shey Lesley Ringnyu, Executive Director of the Lesley Foundation, reflects, “Youth engagement in menstrual health advocacy is crucial for challenging pervasive myths and reducing period poverty. Men and boys serve as allies by normalising menstrual health discussions, combating stigma, and supporting policies that ensure equitable access to resources and facilities, particularly in educational and community settings. I believe that this advocacy for menstrual health is not just a women’s and girls’ issue. Youths, men, and boys. Everyone should make it a priority.”
Young women prioritise engaging religious and traditional leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to spread the vision for menstrual justice. Foka Sherifatu Kinyuy, a community leader, emphasises, “Raising my voice means bringing all stakeholders together to break period barriers and promote menstrual health and inclusivity.”
AGYW are taking charge and creating advocacy spaces to fight for their rights. Although affected by structural inequalities, they refuse to stay as victims but are active participants seeking solutions for their menstrual dignity. But they cannot rewrite the narrative alone. They need national and global support to solidify and concretise their aspirations for a Cameroon in which MHJD becomes the norm. For their rallying call to become a reality, funding cuts must stop to avail resources for SRHR advocacy. More spaces like the Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) fellowship should be created to provide technical support and international platforms to amplify young women’s voices. Cultures must shift and respect menstrual dignity. The taxes on pads should be removed, and the stereotypes addressed. To advocate for MHJD is to #PushForward4Equality.
Nkengafack Eucharia, a WOSSO Fellow, is a communications professional and feminist activist. She is currently co-leading the #EndTaxOnPad237 Campaign. Connect with Eucharia on LinkedIn