Montserrado, Liberia – In a remarkable act of generosity and commitment to improving menstrual health, the Rotary Club of St. Paul, Virginia, in partnership with the Sanitary Pads Project for Liberia-USA, donated sanitary pads to over 750 female students at the Annie Banks Williams Junior and Senior School and the Ellen Mills Scarborough Elementary School in Brewerville.
The initiative, carried out on Friday, December 6, 2024, was a delayed commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11. Speaking on the timing, Madam Thelma Dahn-Debrah, Charter President of the Rotary Club of St. Paul, Virginia, explained that scheduling challenges led to the December event.
Madam Dahn-Debrah emphasized that the initiative was not just about distributing sanitary pads but also educating young girls about menstrual hygiene. At Annie Banks Williams School alone, over 600 girls received the pads. Upon reviewing plans, the Rotary Club decided to include the neighboring Ellen Mills Scarborough Elementary School, benefiting an additional 150 girls of puberty age.
“I interacted with the leadership of Ellen Mills Scarborough because I was not comfortable excluding a school so close to Annie Banks Williams. These girls also deserved the support and education,” Madam Dahn-Debrah stated.
Madam Dahn-Debrah highlighted the challenges faced by many girls during menstruation, including the lack of sanitary products and limited knowledge of menstrual care. She pointed out that these challenges can lead to absenteeism and embarrassment, negatively affecting their education and confidence.
“For us, we provided disposable pads along with crucial information on self-care during menstruation. This will help the girls attend school confidently during their cycle,” she said.
The donation also sought to address behavioral changes often observed in girls during their menstrual cycle, such as irritability and withdrawal. The education provided aimed to empower the girls with knowledge and confidence to manage such challenges effectively.
The initiative, valued at over $1,500, was significantly funded by the Sanitary Pads Project for Liberia-USA, led by its Director, Madam Nellie S. Beyan-Olabige. Madam Dahn-Debrah expressed gratitude for the partnership and expressed hope to expand the program to other schools in Brewerville and beyond.
She also called on the national government, particularly the Ministry of Education, to incorporate menstrual, reproductive, and sexual health education into school programs. “Girls and boys should receive education on reproductive health, not just in biological classes but also on personal care and well-being,” she emphasized.
Madam Dahn-Debrah underscored the need for similar initiatives for boys, suggesting programs that address sexual health and personal care during their growth years.
The Rotary Club’s donation marks a significant step in promoting menstrual health and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation in Liberia. By fostering partnerships and advocating for broader education, the Rotary Club of St. Paul, Virginia, is making strides in empowering the next generation of Liberian students.
This initiative highlights the critical role of community organizations and partnerships in addressing the everyday challenges faced by young people, particularly girls, as they navigate adolescence.
