The upcoming African Menstrual Product Standard & Market Development Forum will bring together regional and global actors to discuss product safety, innovation, and the role of international standards in improving menstrual health. UNFPA Eastern and Southern Africa, SHF, SIS, the ACMH, and DfG are hosting the forum virtually and live in Johannesburg in May.
On May 13-14, 2025, UNFPA Eastern and Southern Regional Office, the Sanitation Hygiene Fund (SHF), the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS), the African Coalition for Menstrual Health (ACMH), and Days for Girls (DfG) will host a menstrual health conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This conference is designed to bring together non-governmental organizations, government officials, manufacturers, researchers, and advocates working to improve menstrual health across the region. This hybrid event aims to showcase the breadth of work happening both in South Africa and across the continent, foster collaboration, and provide a platform for sharing research, programming, and innovative approaches to menstrual health.
The first day will focus on a discussion of menstrual product choice in practice, and how product safety is inextricably linked to providing the dignity of choice to end consumers. Representatives from SIS will provide an explanation of why product standards are important to supporting local efforts, introduce ISO TC 338 - the global menstrual products standardization committee, and provide an overview of how stakeholders can get involved in standard development.
The second day will feature presentations from organizations selected via calls for presentations and posters highlighting their projects, research findings, and community initiatives. Interested presenters may submit an abstract HERE by March 31.
The forum will take place both virtually and in-person in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport. Real-time translation will be available.
A few in‑person spots in Johannesburg are still available—early registration is encouraged!
READ MORE AND REGISTER HERE ->
Please direct questions to Diana Nelson, Days for Girls Senior Global Advocacy Director, at [email protected], with a copy to Puleng Letsie, Coordinator of the African Coalition for Menstrual Health, at [email protected].