On 28 May 2026, Passerelles Numériques Cambodia (PNC), in collaboration with government representatives, development partners, NGOs, private sector actors, and youth organizations, celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 under the global theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

The event brought together approximately 150 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), UN agency, civil society organizations, companies, youth partners, students from PNC and partner institutions, and community members. The celebration aimed to raise awareness, strengthen dialogue, and promote collective action on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) in Cambodia.

“Menstruation is natural, not shameful,”

Centered on this key message, the event sought to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, ensuring that girls and young women can live, learn, and participate in society with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.

“At the Ministry, we believe menstruation should never be a source of shame or discrimination,” shared Ms. Chhan Ratha, Deputy Director, a representative from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, highlighting the national commitment under the Strategic Plan 2024–2028 (Neary Rattanak VI) to advance gender equality and empower women and girls. The representative further emphasized that despite progress, many girls particularly in rural areas still face stigma, limited access to information, and inadequate menstrual hygiene support, calling for continued collaboration among stakeholders.

As an IT training center supporting underserved youth, PNC reaffirmed that education extends beyond technical skills development. The organization remains committed to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where young women are empowered not only to access education, but also to thrive throughout their academic and personal development journey.

Currently, young women represent more than half of PNC’s student population, reflecting the organization’s strong commitment to gender inclusion in the digital and technology sector. PNC continues to promote gender equality, address discrimination, and encourage more girls to pursue opportunities in STEM and IT-related careers.

Surrounded by support at PNC, she realized she was capable of much more than she had imagined.

The event was further enriched by remarks from H.E. Dr. Chhay Kim Sotheavy, Director of the School Health Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), which emphasized the importance of gender-responsive and inclusive education systems that enable all students to succeed. MoEYS representatives appreciated the initiative and encouraged continued efforts to strengthen health and hygiene education in schools, highlighting its direct link to students’ confidence, attendance, and learning outcomes.

Mr. Hang Hybunna, Country Director of PNC also underscored the organization’s sustained commitment to gender equality and its continued efforts to integrate menstrual health awareness into its educational and student support programs. He highlighted that while PNC students benefit from a supportive learning environment, many girls across Cambodia especially in underserved and rural areas continue to face significant challenges related to stigma, lack of information, and limited access to menstrual hygiene resources.

The celebration also featured a special message fromPNC Ambassador, Ms. Sydney Marith, Miss Planet International Cambodia, who expressed her pride in supporting the initiative and encouraged continued efforts to break the silence around menstruation and empower young women to speak openly and confidently about their experiences.

A key highlight of the event was the youth storytelling session, where students from PNC, PSE, and Enfants du Mékong shared personal experiences related to menstruation. Their testimonies reflected early challenges such as lack of information, embarrassment, and stigma, while also demonstrating how supportive environments can transform confidence and openness among young people.

Development partners and NGOs also reinforced the importance of collective action in advancing menstrual health and gender equality. They emphasized that building a #PeriodFriendlyWorld requires the engagement of all stakeholders, including government institutions, schools, families, youth, boys and men, NGOs, and communities.

The event also included awareness activities, partner exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive discussions designed to promote open dialogue and strengthen understanding of menstrual health and hygiene.

Through this celebration, PNC and its partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education or opportunity, and where every young person is empowered to learn, lead, and thrive with dignity and confidence.