Transcend Africa Foundation

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

We cannot advance the Girls’ Agenda without listening to girls themselves! At #GirlsAgenda2026, girls spoke about the realities of menstruating without dignity, highlighting the need for functional toilets, reliable water, privacy and affordable menstrual products in schools. They called on governments to prioritise these needs through better infrastructure, funding and accountability. We also brought men and boys into the conversation to explore their role in challenging menstrual stigma, breaking harmful stereotypes, supporting menstrual health education and creating environments where girls can learn and thrive without shame or discrimination. Girls’ voices must inform policy and investment, while men and boys must move beyond awareness to actively champion menstrual health, equality and girls’ rights.#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

What makes partnerships effective, equitable and sustainable in advancing girls’ education and wellbeing? At #GirlsAgenda2026, panellists highlighted that lasting partnerships are built on trust, mutual respect, shared power and local ownership. Grassroots and youth-led organisations bring invaluable community knowledge and trusted relationships, yet often face barriers to long-term funding and institutional support. The discussion emphasised the need to strengthen organisational capacity, build networks, align efforts with community priorities, and ensure that local organisations have a meaningful voice in decision-making. Beyond funding, sustainable partnerships require shared responsibility, evidence-informed action and accountability for lasting outcomes. Sustainability alone is not just about securing resources we aslo need to build relationships, strengthen local leadership and work collectively to create lasting change for girls.