Periods Shouldn't Stop Potential

Take action for Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28.

Millions of women and girls around the world are prevented from reaching their full potential. Just because they menstruate.

Without access to menstrual products, clean facilities, and accurate health information, many girls are forced to miss school—losing critical learning time and, in some cases, dropping out entirely. Over time, those days add up to lost potential.

Help us continue our work so that every girl has the chance to learn, thrive, and lead.

CAMFED is removing the barriers that menstruation places on girls’ education—by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to stay in school and thrive.

Here’s how CAMFED is making a period-friendly world a reality

Locally made, reusable pads: CAMFED Association entrepreneurs and partners produce and distribute affordable, eco-friendly pads to girls in school. This creates a double impact—girls stay in school, and local women grow their businesses.
Menstrual health education: Life skills and wellbeing mentors to deliver menstrual hygiene sessions, break down taboos, and answer the questions that girls may hesitate to ask teachers or parents. Their leadership ensures no girl feels alone.
Holistic support: CAMFED’s support goes beyond one item or service. Each CAMFED-supported student receives essential school supplies like uniforms, shoes, and books, along with menstrual products – as well as a nurturing support network surrounding her.
Working hand-in-hand with governments: CAMFED collaborates with education ministries and local authorities to shape inclusive school policies, strengthen school infrastructure, and prioritize menstrual health education.

“Missing classes a lot and failing to concentrate on the days you actually manage to come to school with the period, then getting bullied for not having proper sanitary wear, some friends of mine ended up dropping out completely.”

Esnath Divasoni, CAMFED Association member, Zimbabwe