This wasn’t just a game; it was a call to action. Menstruation is a normal biological process, yet for many girls, it’s a silent source of shame and a barrier to a full life. Our group of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Bamenda are challenging that stigma head-on. During this year’s commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, our advocates used a powerful and creative tool, a “rope jumble game,” to show stakeholders that everyone plays a role in a girl’s menstrual journey. As a boy, mother, father, school authority, nurse etc
The scene was a tangled web of a rope each one representing a different obstacle a girl faces during her period. From the crippling stigma in homes and lack of proper facilities in schools to the high taxes on menstrual products and a lack of parental support, the girls wove a vivid picture of the challenges they encounter. It was a raw, honest illustration that laid bare the reality of what it means to be a menstruating girl in their community.
The impact was immediate and profound. As the girls untangled the “mess” with their own hands, they called on the stakeholders present to be their allies and advocates for girls. And the response was inspiring. The Sub-director of Secondary Education pledged to work with the girls and be their champion. Pastor Bali Elvis, a religious leader, acknowledged his own role in changing the church’s perspective, a huge step toward breaking down deeply ingrained taboos.
This wasn’t just a game; it was a call to action. It showed how a small group of empowered young women can spark a significant change in perspective. By bravely speaking up and illustrating their challenges, they are not only advocating for better access to menstrual hygiene products and services but also demanding the respect and dignity they deserve.
Written by Lum Precious
