Held last Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, the Red Charity Fundraiser Gala gathered supporters under the patronage of Prime Minister H.E. Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute. Organized by the International Menstrual Hygiene Coalition, the event united stakeholders to advance menstrual equity for displaced girls, focusing on dignity, access, and shared responsibility. The presence of high-level figures underscored the national urgency surrounding this critical humanitarian cause.
Responding to urgent needs among vulnerable populations, the initiative directs its efforts toward girls affected by displacement in Cameroon and refugees in Nigeria. In many camps, the lack of menstrual products compounds already difficult conditions. By supplying essential materials and creating permanent access points, the Coalition is working to protect girls’ health and preserve their daily routines without interruption.
The project aims to install self-managed pad banks in three key locations, ensuring continuity and local involvement. These systems will serve as reliable sources of hygiene materials, helping address persistent inequalities. As menstruation remains a barrier to education and participation, the solution supports consistent school attendance and encourages fuller engagement in personal development.
Recent statistics highlight the scope of the issue: Cameroon now hosts over 422,000 refugees, while 87,000 citizens sought refuge in Nigeria due to violence. For women and girls in these communities, proper hygiene care remains a challenge. Inadequate access often leads to infections and lost educational opportunities, weakening long-term prospects for recovery and inclusion.
Priority locations include the Adagom site in Nigeria, Minawao in Cameroon’s Far North—home to Boko Haram survivors—and Gado-Badzéré near the Central African Republic. Each has been selected based on population density and the acute lack of menstrual care services. These sites require coordinated efforts to bridge systemic gaps and support basic needs.
The program’s outcomes include full access to hygiene products, targeted awareness sessions, and stigma reduction. It will also empower young women through vocational training in reusable pad production, paving the way for local entrepreneurship. Such initiatives foster autonomy while building collective resilience in affected areas.
The Coalition has previously distributed 1,000 dignity kits and conducted outreach with 2,500 individuals. In 2024, the first permanent pad bank was built to anchor long-term efforts. This year, activities center on local capacity-building and sustainable methods. A dedicated budget of 100 million CFA francs supports these objectives through material provision, technical support, and community leadership.
The Red Charity Gala marked a decisive step forward. It called upon institutions, private actors, and engaged citizens to elevate menstrual health as a shared obligation. Participation signals a broader commitment to equity, inclusion, and lasting change. Contributions remain welcome, as the vision extends beyond the evening—toward systemic transformation and human dignity.