Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
Estelle’s eyes widened in surprise when the presenter announced her name as the winner of the Menstrual Hygiene Management Kit design contest.
She had been sitting in the hall with her 9-month-old baby in her hands, her heart racing with anticipation, and suddenly she couldn’t believe her ears.
As she made her way to the stage, a mix of emotions swirled inside her – surprise, joy, and a sense of validation.
“I don’t know what to say, I am so happy. Thank you LOYOC, thank you UNFPA,” Estelle Njuele Ngah said.
The young woman in her late twenties won the first prize in the Menstrual Hygiene Management Kit contest organized by Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Cameroon.
Out of 30 applicants, 8 were shortlisted, and 3 were awarded. The awards ceremony, hosted at LOYOC’s head office in Nkolfolou, Center Region of Cameroon, provided a platform for the shortlisted young innovators to showcase their ideas.
“This event celebrates the creativity and innovation that are making a difference for adolescents and young girls, enhancing access to menstrual hygiene products and fostering confidence,” said Achalake Christian Leke, National Coordinator of LOYOC.
UNFPA was represented by Madam Lydie Manguele, who expressed their commitment to supporting the winners, stating, “we shall continue to work with these winners to better design their product”.
The winners included Estelle Njuele Ngah with her design “Men Safe”, Ngwe Elenore with “My Period, My Pride” (first runner-up), and Aboulou Nancy with “Daily Flow Kits” (second runner-up).
The organizing committee evaluated the designs based on criteria such as portability, incorporation of sanitary pads or towels, use of local products, and ease of disposal.
According to Atefor Jude, the National Programmes Manager at LOYOC, the idea was to “fix a situation where most people are not comfortable with”.
About Men Safe
Estelle’s journey began in secondary school, where she faced ridicule and shame due to lack of proper menstrual hygiene products conservation. A humiliating incident where her pad fell off as she removed her book from her school bag sparked her determination to create a solution.
“I have always wanted to see that young girls do not experience what I went through,” she said.
Three years ago, she started working on the “Men Safe” design.
“I chose to work with local products that can easily be found in the market to produce the menstrual kits packaging,” she explained.
“The kit is portable, affordable, and young girls can carry it everywhere.”
As a nursing mother, Estelle understands the importance of menstrual hygiene and is committed to making a difference in her community.
