Togo: launch of the ECOWAS project to raise awareness among young people about personal and menstrual hygiene

03 Sep, 2025

On Wednesday, 28 August 2025, the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Togo officially launched the Project to Support National Initiatives to Raise Awareness among Young Girls and Boys about Personal and Menstrual Hygiene at the BIDC Dome in Lomé. This initiative is funded by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).

Chaired by the Minister for Social Action, Solidarity and the Advancement of Women, Prof. Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, the ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including: the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, H.E. Mr Barros Bacar Banjai, the Governor of the Autonomous District of Greater Lomé, Ms KAS-SAH-TRAORÉ, as well as officials from international organisations, nationals of ECOWAS member states, implementing partners and beneficiaries.

This one-year pilot project aims to reduce period poverty and its harmful effects on the health, education and dignity of young girls. It involves training and equipping 100 young seamstresses to produce 5,000 reusable sanitary towel kits, which will be distributed in twelve schools across the Maritime, Kara and Plateaux regions.

In his speech, the ECOWAS Resident Representative highlighted the innovative and replicable nature of this initiative, while emphasising its role in protecting the environment through the promotion of reusable and environmentally friendly solutions.

For her part, the Minister for Social Action praised the project that it is ‘economic, ecological and empowering’, offering a concrete and sustainable response to the essential needs of young girls.

Through this programme, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in promoting health, equality and inclusive development, placing youth and women at the heart of its priorities.