Bernadette Ojao

As the #GirlsAgenda2026 Conference came to a close, delegates reaffirmed the need to turn commitments into action to advance girls’ rights, education, protection and health. Discussions highlighted the importance of integrating menstrual health and hygiene into education data systems, including EMIS, to strengthen tracking, reporting and accountability. Participants also called for increased investment, dedicated menstrual health budget lines, safe and accessible school sanitation facilities, affordable menstrual products, and stronger engagement of boys, men, families and community leaders. Girls’ voices remained central, with calls for practical solutions that respond to their lived experiences and ensure that no girl is left behind. The Girls Agenda Declaration reaffirmed the need for sustained collective action, adequate investment, stronger partnerships and accountability. Delegates also called for greater regional collaboration and policy alignment, including elevating menstrual health and hygiene on the African Union agenda. Commitments must translate into funded, measurable action that enables every girl to learn, thrive and live with dignity. #MenstrualJusticeForAll

Our Menstrual Health & Hygiene side event at #GirlsAgenda2026 opened with a powerful call to move beyond awareness and strengthen the systems, policies and accountability needed to advance menstrual justice. The opening remarks highlighted the importance of government and civil society partnerships, normalising conversations about menstruation, and ensuring access to sanitary products, water, sanitation, safe changing spaces and menstrual pain management. The discussion also emphasized the links between menstrual health, girls’ education, human rights and gender equality, calling for stronger policies, supportive school environments and sustained investment.@FJS Menstrual health is not just about sanitary pads, it is about dignity, rights and equal opportunities. Every girl deserves to learn, participate and thrive without menstrual stigma or barriers. #MenstrualJusticeForAll

In commemoration of the #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild, we were honoured to present the Education Category Award to @akankundallen at the @GirlsChampionAwards 2026. In partnership with @KalekeKasome Kasome, @Mglsd_UG, and @nilegirlsforum, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of girls and young women who are driving positive change and making a meaningful difference in their communities. #IDGC #IDGC2026 #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild

This #InternationalYouthDay2026, we celebrate young people who are challenging stigma, breaking barriers and transforming the realities of their communities. From advancing menstrual justice to youth leadership and grassroots advocacy, young people are not waiting for change to happen; they are creating it. We believe every young person deserves the knowledge, resources, safe spaces and opportunities to live and menstruate with dignity. Today, we commit to building systems where young people are not simply included but trusted, empowered and at the centre of change. #HappyInternationalYouthDay2026 #IYD2026

Join us for the Beyond Access: Advancing Menstrual Health Across the Life Course – Strengthening Accountability in Africa webinar. Menstrual health is more than access to products it is a matter of dignity, equity, health, and human rights across the life course. Join policymakers, practitioners, researchers, civil society organizations, youth advocates, and development partners as we explore how stronger accountability can turn commitments into measurable action and improve menstrual health outcomes across Africa. Our Regional Director, @LillianBagala , will be among the featured speakers, presenting on Equity and Inclusion. 🗓️ Wednesday, 5 August 2026 🕝 2:30–4:00 PM CAT 🔗 Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi… #MenstrualJusticeForAll #MenstrualJusticeForAll #MenstrualHealth #LifeCourseApproach #Accountability #PeriodFriendlyAfrica #Equity