Since 2011, Mother Nature Partnership has had an impact on girls and young women in Cameroon.
The Toronto-based organization fights stigma around menstruation, both in Canada and abroad. While MNP had already delivered 1000 reusable Femme Cups and Afripads (washable, reusable menstrual pads) to girls and women in the Wabane District this past January and February, they recently sent over an additional 400 donations. “There was a huge interest, primarily from high school aged girls, but as some young as young as ten or eleven,” explains Irene Whittaker-Cumming, the Executive Director and founder of Mother Nature Partnership.
MNP’s overseas activities wouldn’t be possible without Torontonians stepping in and making it happen. Their popular Question Period fundraiser, which sold out last fall at the Drake Underground, was a “cheeky and fun” pub quiz night featuring local celebrities from Orphan Black and luxe door prizes. Whittaker-Cumming also says that there are several important Toronto donors who make the African programs possible. “Without the support of the community in Toronto, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” she says.
The program not only takes aim at menstruation-related stigmas, but also opens the door for many young women in Cameroon currently limited by their periods. “Across the board, the girls don’t have the funds to get menstrual supplies. There are also other barriers, like no washrooms, or only washrooms with open doors. By having these supplies, and a discreet way to carry them, the girls can go to school and go regularly.” Whittaker-Cumming says. The pads and menstrual cups are all washable and reusable, and MNP partners with Cameroonian agencies to ensure recipients are educated on using their new supplies. “We provide info on how to use, care for, and clean both types, and they have the choice. We really emphasize that they should have a choice.”
Question Period will likely return to Toronto this fall, with an eye to delivering a possibly expanded program in 2016. Future educational programming will likely include a family planning component, at the request of Cameroonian educators and community leaders. Whittaker-Cumming, who was also involved in Toronto’s
GDay this spring, also anticipates MNP’s charitable status will go into effect soon. “Our Toronto donors do this from a place of believing in the impact.”