Menstruation Matters Part 2

Menstrual health and equity remain complex global challenges that connect practitioners and communities across Wales and Africa.
Following the strong interest in our previous Gender Community of Practice session on period poverty, this informal follow-up event offers an opportunity to come together again, share experiences and deepen the discussion.

In the first half of the session, we will focus on sustainable, context-appropriate menstrual product design:

• How can partnerships support local innovation and provide lasting, practical solutions?
• Which models of pad construction have proven effective, and which have not?
• What new or emerging ideas could help overcome existing barriers and lead to more widespread adoption?

The second half will explore funding approaches, challenges and opportunities:

• What might sustainable funding look like?
• What is the potential of social enterprise models in enabling self-sustaining systems?
• How can actors – locally and internationally – collaborate more effectively?

Join us to continue the conversation, learn together and consider ways forward.

Chair: Mariama Djelo Bah

Mariama Djelo Bah is the Country Representative of URBOND in Guinea, a multi award winning charitable organisation that promotes racial harmony and diversity, creates opportunities for young people and helps children access education in areas where they otherwise could not.

In Guinea, Mariama leads initiatives to improve access to education and promote the well-being of children, particularly girls. Since 2019, URBOND has built schools, provided learning resources and tackled gender disparities in education. Under its child education initiative, the organisation has been providing reusable sanitary kits to schoolgirls and through a partnership with Days for Girls UK, URBOND has begun producing these kits locally, not only addressing period poverty but also creating employment opportunities for local women.

Mariama has also led numerous workshops on menstruation, sexual education and FGM, empowering girls with essential knowledge and life skills.

About the Gender Community of Practice

Hub Cymru Africa’s Community of Practice is a safe, brave and inclusive space for learning and sharing among those engaged in promoting gender equality, gender justice, and women’s empowerment through global solidarity projects.

We meet 3 to 4 times a year, each time focusing on a different theme.

We welcome suggestions for topics, speakers, and feedback. This is your space too. Email us on advice@hubcymruafrica.wales