🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Communication caravan addresses menstrual health and hygiene in schools to promote girls' education in Tenkodogo
via Lefaso.net5 min read
A communication caravan, launched on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dédougou, Bankui region, and continuing in the Nakambé region, arrived in Tenkodogo on Monday, April 27, 2026. This initiative, led by the Consultation Circle of NGOs and Associations Active in Basic Education CCEB-BF in collaboration with local authorities, aims to promote girls' schooling and retention. A public conference was held at the general education college in Sector No. 2 of Tenkodogo on the theme: "Menstrual health and hygiene in schools: breaking taboos, ensuring dignity to promote retention and academic success." Innocent Sissao, technical support officer at the Directorate General of Specific Support and a founding member of several educational frameworks, led the discussion. He highlighted the pervasive societal taboo surrounding menstruation, even within families, citing an anecdote where his own daughter was uncomfortable discussing the topic with him. Mr. Sissao discussed with students the significant challenges related to menstrual management in schools. These include disruptions to classes, discomfort experienced by girls, a lack of gender-specific latrines, insufficient water supply in schools, and teasing from peers. These issues lead to repeated absences, school dropout, frustration, and a lack of self-confidence among girls. He emphasized that the negative impact extends beyond families, affecting national development through girls' educational attrition and increased vulnerability. Mr.
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