Mekelle, Tigray – December 4, 2024– The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation this morning, marking a significant step in advancing menstrual health and hygiene in the Tigray region.
The event, held at the Mums for Mums center in Mekelle, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Tigray Bureau of Women’s Affairs, the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and senior officials from the ITOCHU Corporation Commercial Representative Office in Addis Ababa.
This collaboration aims to improve menstrual hygiene management for women and girls while fostering sustainable livelihoods through the production and promotion of reusable sanitary pads. As part of the initiative, awareness campaigns and skill-development programs will empower women to manufacture and distribute these essential products, creating both economic opportunities and access to affordable menstrual health solutions.
Speaking during the ceremony, a UNFPA Deputy Representative Taiwo Oluyomi expressed appreciation for the initiative and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continuing its efforts to address menstrual health challenges in the region.

Chief Representative of JICA, Oshima Kensuke, emphasized the critical role of the partnership in supporting women’s empowerment and improving public health outcomes. “This is one of several projects we are implementing in the Tigray region,” he said.

Later in the day, UNFPA Ethiopia shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account: “Proud to join @JicaEthiopia in Mekelle, #Tigray, for the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation, reaffirming our commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges and empowering women and girls with dignity & equality.”
The project, financed with 10 million Japanese yen, is expected to positively impact thousands of women and girls whose lives were devastated during the war in Tigray. It also aims to dismantle stigma around menstruation and foster resilience among Tigray’s communities.
