The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step towards promoting menstrual dignity in schools by distributing 5,000 reusable sanitary towel kits in Benin. The official handover took place on June 27, 2025, in Zé, Benin, as part of a regional project aimed at raising awareness among young girls about personal and menstrual hygiene practices.
This initiative is funded by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and seeks to address menstrual insecurity while empowering young girls. It also aims to raise the profile of ECOWAS among young people. The ceremony was attended by representatives from various sectoral ministries, Zè Town Hall, Departmental Social Affairs Departments, Guichets Uniques de Protection Sociale (GUPS), beneficiary schools, pupils, parents, and technical partners.
Mr. Mamadou Konate, representing the ECOWAS Resident Representative, highlighted that this action aligns with the institution’s Vision 2050. He stated: “Menstrual hygiene is a matter of dignity, health and social justice. Under no circumstance should it never be a barrier to schooling or to young girls’ self-esteem.” The locally made kits will be distributed fairly by the GUPS of Zè and Djidja in coordination with relevant departmental structures.
ECOWAS symbolically handed over the kits to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance through the Atlantic Departmental Director of Social Affairs. These were then transferred to the Atlantic and Zou Departmental Directorates of Social Affairs for distribution across 23 identified secondary schools.
The event also included awareness-raising and training sessions for pupils, teachers, and supervisors focusing on promoting ECOWAS’s values and missions. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover of kits to some girls present, followed by a group photo and media interviews. A spokeswoman for the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for what she described as “a life-changing gesture” and encouraged her peers “to never give up on their dreams.”