A menstrual hygiene campaign called Empowering Girls was held in the Mmredane STMA Basic School in Tarkoradi, Ghana's Western Region. This initiative was organised as a result of the school's reaction to the Journey To The West project, in which the headmaster requested that the organisation provide sanitary towels to the school's girls in order to promote menstrual hygiene. Making this a top priority, the crew answered the call a few days later, on May 29, 2024. In order to support the school's menstrual hygiene advocacy and give a brief talk on the importance of menstrual hygiene, the organisation sent three packs of sanitary pads.

TARGETED SDG GOALS

The provision of sanitary pads supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being - Promotes health services and education related to menstrual hygiene, reducing health risks.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education - Aims to ensure that girls can attend school regularly and without interruption due to menstruation.

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality - Focuses on empowering women and girls, addressing menstrual hygiene as a key aspect of their dignity and rights.

4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - Ensures access to sanitation facilities and hygiene products, critical for effective menstrual hygiene management.

OBJECTIVES FOR THE PROJECT

• Improved Health: Access to sanitary pads reduces the risk of infections and promotes overall health during menstruation.
• Increased School Attendance: With reliable menstrual hygiene products, girls are more likely to attend school consistently, reducing absenteeism linked to menstruation.
• Enhanced Educational Performance: Regular school attendance can lead to better academic outcomes, as girls can focus on their studies rather than managing discomfort or stigma.
• Empowerment and Confidence: Having access to sanitary products fosters a sense of dignity and empowerment, helping girls feel more confident in their daily activities.
• Reduction of Stigma: Initiatives that provide sanitary pads can also raise awareness and promote discussions around menstrual health, helping to break societal taboos.
• Support for Families: Providing sanitary products can alleviate financial burdens on families, allowing them to allocate resources to other essential needs.