By Jones Anlimah
The Kpando Young Ladies Association (KYLA), in partnership with the Kpando Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has marked this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day by donating sanitary pad banks and over 600 sanitary pads to schools in the municipality for distribution to female students.
The Association also made a collective call to action for stakeholders—from families to government officials—to unite in the fight against period stigma and absenteeism, and to support girls’ education.
Under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly Ghana,” the event brought together educators, students, government officials, and traditional leaders in a united effort to address menstrual health challenges and promote dignity for girls.
“Menstrual health should never be a barrier to education or self-confidence,” said Jemima Osai, KYLA’s team lead. “Today, we proudly present six KYLA sanitary pad banks and 650 sanitary pads to schools across Kpando. These are more than just donations, they are tools of empowerment,” she noted.
Reinforcing the group’s slogan, “Girls inspire girls: Girls aspire to be KYL,” Jemima Osai emphasised the organisation’s mission to mentor, motivate, and uplift young women through education and practical support.
Mary Buckner, KYLA organiser and guest speaker, highlighted the global significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day and stressed the need for sustained local action. “Menstruation is a natural part of life and should not come with shame,” she said. “But across Ghana, many girls still miss school due to stigma, lack of supplies, or inadequate sanitation facilities. Together — families, schools, boys, girls, leaders — we can change that,” she added.
Citing the President’s recent launch of the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative targeting two million schoolgirls, Buckner urged the community to emulate the spirit of that national policy by actively supporting the pad banks. “Let every household be a donor not just the girls. Boys, parents, teachers, traders let’s stock these pad banks regularly so that no girl fears going to school because of her period,” she charged.
She also used the occasion to educate students on the basics of menstrual hygiene and called for boys to act as allies, not mockers, in the fight against period stigma. “#NoShaming,” she repeated. “Support your friends. Respect your sisters. And help break the silence.”
The Kpando Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Kylian Donkor, applauded KYLA for championing girls’ welfare and bridging the gap between policy and community action. “This is a remarkable initiative that complements government efforts,” he stated. “As MCE, I pledge my support to ensure that Kpando becomes a model municipality where no girl is left behind due to menstruation,” he said.
Mr. Donkor also assured that steps would be taken to work with the Education Directorate to facilitate the local rollout of the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative.
According to KYLA’s leadership, Menstrual Hygiene Day is not just about awareness—but about sustained action. The Association intends to keep mentoring, donating, educating, and supporting until period poverty becomes history.
