The Africa Coalition Menstrual Health Symposium 2021 began with a high level opening ceremony that highlighted the importance of addressing menstrual health as a multisectoral priority, underpinned by the life cycle approach and the right to dignity. The panelists reflected on the progress made by the Africa Coalition for Menstrual Health, while also acknowledging challenges that have arisen, including the global pandemic. This plenary underlined the importance of menstrual health for gender equality and sexual and reproductive health, and affirmed political will to act now for the realization of the 2018 Call to Action on menstrual health.