-Initiative Empowers Women and Girls Through Education, Awareness, and Open Dialogue
ZINGBOR TOWN, TODEE DISTRICT, LIBERIA – The Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI), in partnership with Medica Liberia, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, and Frontline Women, has commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a community engagement program aimed at promoting menstrual health awareness and breaking longstanding stigmas surrounding menstruation.
The one-day event, held in Zingbor Town, Todee District, brought together 40 women and girls under the global theme, “From Adolescence to Menopause: Advancing Menstrual Health and Hygiene for All Women and Girls.”
The initiative focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of menstrual health management, menstrual cycle tracking, proper hygiene practices, water and sanitation management, and the importance of menstrual health to overall well-being.
Creating Safe Spaces for Open Discussion
Through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and educational sessions, participants were provided a safe and supportive environment to openly discuss issues often considered taboo in many communities.
Women and girls shared personal experiences, asked questions, and engaged in meaningful conversations aimed at challenging myths, misconceptions, and harmful cultural stigmas associated with menstruation.
Organizers emphasized that access to accurate menstrual health information remains essential to protecting the dignity, health, and confidence of women and girls across Liberia.
Addressing Challenges in Rural Communities
Speaking during the event, representatives of PAYOWI stressed the importance of ensuring that all women and girls—regardless of age, location, or socio-economic background—have access to the information and resources needed to manage their menstrual health safely and with dignity.
The organization also highlighted persistent challenges confronting women and girls in rural communities, including limited access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, insufficient menstrual health education, and social stigmatization.
According to PAYOWI, addressing these barriers requires a collective effort involving government institutions, development partners, community leaders, educators, and civil society organizations.
Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The program forms part of broader efforts by PAYOWI and its partners to advance women’s rights, health, education, and empowerment throughout Liberia.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene and to advocate for policies and programs that ensure women and girls can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and without discrimination.
PAYOWI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing advocacy, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and girls across Liberia.
The organization noted that empowering women and girls with knowledge and resources not only improves health outcomes but also contributes to educational attainment, gender equality, and community development.
For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, contact:
Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI)
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Paramount Young Women Initiative
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