Growing up in Cameroon, I vividly remember the challenges I faced as a young girl trying to manage my menstruation. Without proper menstrual products, I struggled with embarrassment and isolation. As I grow older, I began to notice that many girls in my community are still enduring the same struggles.
One life-changing moment occurred during one of our educational activities with the Cho Ngafor Foundation. While conducting fieldwork, we witnessed two girls who unexpectedly started their periods during the event. Lacking proper menstrual supplies, they were unable to participate in the activities. In a desperate attempt to leave unnoticed, they were forced to jump through a window to go home. It was heartbreaking to see their shame and isolation—something no girl should ever experience.
That incident became a turning point for me. We realized that beyond advocacy, we needed to take direct action to support girls facing similar challenges. At first, I began gathering disposable pads from Switzerland to send back to Cameroon. These pads were distributed to girls in need, helping them manage their menstruation with dignity. However, as demand grew, it became clear that this solution wasn’t sustainable.