On Thursday 4 June 2026, around 100 young girls from four schools in the village of Kiziba 2, in the Nyiragongo territory of North Kivu, took part in an awareness-raising session on menstrual hygiene and health organized by the Nyiragongo Sexual and Reproductive Health Consortium. This initiative, led by several organizations defending the rights of women and young girls, aims to help break down the taboos that still surround menstruation in many families in eastern DRC.

“We spoke with the students about menstrual hygiene and the challenges they face during their periods. We encouraged them to talk freely about this issue, without shame or stigma. We also gave them practical advice on how to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively,” explains Aurélie Maliro, program assistant at Woman Power DRC, one of the consortium’s member organizations.

Mutumayi Kezie, Miss Independence DRC 2025, who was invited to the event, emphasized the need to change society’s perception of menstruation.

“It was important for me to take part in this event. Menstruation should no longer be seen as a weakness or a reason for discrimination. This kind of initiative helps to boost young girls’ confidence and helps them understand their bodies better. I encourage the organizers to extend this awareness-raising beyond schools, into villages, as many girls still lack information on this issue,” she said.

The participants welcomed this initiative, feeling that it had enabled them to gain useful knowledge for their health and well-being. They pledged to share the messages they had received with their classmates and loved ones.

“We learnt how to look after our hygiene during our periods and how to use reusable sanitary pads properly. Now we understand that periods are nothing to be ashamed of. We can talk about them openly and, in turn, raise awareness among other girls,” says Dorcas Sibalingene, one of the beneficiaries.

It is worth noting that at the end of this activity, around 100 young girls received menstrual hygiene kits to help them manage their periods. This campaign is part of the efforts of the Nyiragongo Sexual and Reproductive Health Consortium to promote menstrual health, the education of young girls and their fulfilment within Congolese society.

Written by Victoire Katembo Mbuto