ECOWAS Trains Trainers in Benin to Promote Menstrual Hygiene and Dignity for Young Girls

By Joylinda Laryea / 12 October 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a new initiative in Benin aimed at improving menstrual hygiene and safeguarding the dignity of young girls.

As part of the Project to Support Benin’s Initiatives to Raise Awareness among Young Girls about Good Personal and Menstrual Hygiene Practices and to Promote ECOWAS among Young People, the ECOWAS Representation in Benin organised two training-of-trainers sessions from 16 to 19 September 2025 in the communes of Zè and Djidja.

The sessions empowered around twenty participants with knowledge on reproductive health and proper menstrual hygiene practices. These newly trained facilitators are now set to lead awareness campaigns in secondary schools across both municipalities.

Beyond education, the initiative includes the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits to students, ensuring practical support alongside knowledge-building.

ECOWAS said the project aims to promote health, boost self-confidence, and reinforce the dignity of adolescent girls  key pillars in advancing gender equality and youth development in the region