29/05/2025
On May 28, 2025, Gender Equality for Good Governance Sierra Leone (GEGG-SL) officially launched its Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Initiative alongside the distribution of sanitary kits and the installation of sanitary kit boxes in schools in Lungi, Port Loko District, marking an impactful commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025.
🎯 Project Objectives
The initiative aims to:
1. Empower adolescent girls with accurate and age-appropriate information on their sexual and reproductive health.
2. Break the silence and tackle the stigma surrounding menstruation.
3. Reduce menstrual-related absenteeism in schools by ensuring access to sanitary products.
4. Promote menstrual dignity through sustainable solutions like sanitary kit boxes in school environments.
🩸 Why Menstrual Hygiene and SRHR Education Matter
Menstrual health is a human rights, health, and education issue. In Sierra Leone, cultural taboos and poverty often lead to:
• Girls using unhygienic materials during their periods (e.g., rags, newspaper).
• High absenteeism rates (many girls miss 3–5 school days per month).
• Shame, stigma, and isolation due to misinformation and lack of support.
• Increased vulnerability to gender-based violence, early pregnancies, and school dropout.
By introducing SRHR education and providing menstrual kits, we are challenging harmful norms, empowering girls with knowledge, and making school a safe and inclusive place for learning.
🎁 Components of the Initiative
1. Sanitary Kit Distribution
Each girl received a Dignity Kit containing:
• Reusable or disposable sanitary pads
• Underwear
• Soap and wipes
• Informational leaflets on SRHR and menstrual hygiene
These kits were distributed to hundreds of schoolgirls across selected schools in Lungi, ensuring each girl has what she needs for at least one menstrual cycle.
2. Sanitary Kit Boxes in Schools
GEGG-SL introduced Sanitary Kit Boxes—clearly marked, lockable containers placed in a private area in each school. These boxes are:
• Monitored and restocked regularly by school matron or designated staff.
• Designed to ensure emergency access to menstrual products.
• A permanent and sustainable solution for period emergencies.
The presence of these boxes helps normalize menstruation, reduce absenteeism, and improve retention rates of girls in school.
📚 Educational Component
Interactive sessions were held to:
• Teach girls about reproductive anatomy, menstrual cycles, hygiene practices, and bodily autonomy.
• Encourage peer support and open conversations about periods.
• Train teachers and school authorities to create a supportive environment for menstruating girls.
🌍 Broader Implications for Gender Equality & Education
This project goes beyond menstruation—it’s a gateway to gender equality and inclusive education. Girls cannot thrive academically if they are ashamed or unsupported during menstruation. The initiative contributes to:
• Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
• Goal 4 (Quality Education)
• Goal 5 (Gender Equality)
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is also aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Policy for Adolescents and Youth.
🗣️ Voices from the Field
“I used to stay home during my period because I didn’t have pads. Now I feel comfortable going to school every day.” — Mariama, 14, beneficiary
“The sanitary kit box is a wonderful idea. It shows the girls that they are not forgotten.” — School Matron, Lungi
👥 Call to Action
We call on:
• Government and policymakers to support the integration of menstrual health into the national curriculum.
• Development partners and donors to fund menstrual health programs across Sierra Leone.
• Parents and communities to end the shame and support girls in managing their health.
🌟 Conclusion
The launch of the SRHR and sanitary kits project in Lungi, Port Loko, is a bold step toward period equity and inclusive education. It is a reminder that every girl deserves to menstruate with dignity, stay in school, and reach her full potential—regardless of her background or location.
Let’s continue to break the silence, end period poverty, and protect the dreams of every girl in Sierra Leone.
UNFPA Sierra Leone
Sexual Violence Research Initiative
Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination
Kanu Idrissa Saidu
Initiative For Gender Equality and Development In Africa. IGED-Africa
Gracious Gifters Foundation
Bridge Connect
Feminist United Sierra Leone and Allies
Feminist Majority Foundation
𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚
Lucinda's Beautiful Heritage Organisation
The 50/50 Group Sierra Leone-USA Chapter
BONELA
Coraline Ropers
Wiedza bezużyteczna
Makalay Saidiatu Sonda
