In a significant step towards addressing menstrual health challenges and fostering inclusive female leadership, Golden Inspires Foundation (GIF-Ghana), in partnership with KGL Foundation, officially launched its new project titled “Promoting Menstrual Health and Advocacy for Female Leadership in Rural Communities and Schools.” The launch ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 at the Tamale Disability Resource Centre under the theme: “Menstrual Health Matters: Empowering Rural Girls to Lead, Learn and Thrive.”

This is a nine-month initiative which will be implemented in five selected schools across the Sagnarigu, Kumbungu, and Tamale Metro Districts of the Northern Region, aims to equip adolescent girls with menstrual health knowledge, reusable sanitary products, and leadership skills. The project also intends to break taboos and stigma around menstruation and to promote female representation in school-level decision-making and community leadership roles.The launch attracted over 34 participants, including teacher patrons from each of the selected schools, representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES), local CSOs, community stakeholders, and volunteers.

The programme opened with a welcome address by the project coordinator Hannan Muntaka Ashrawi who set the tone for a reflective and impactful gathering. In her keynote address, Ms. Hannan, highlighted the critical link between menstrual health and educational attainment. She stressed that many girls in rural communities continue to miss school due to lack of menstrual hygiene resources and awareness. “This project is more than about sanitary pads. It’s about dignity, leadership, and empowering the next generation of girls to realise their full potential,” she said.

One of the distinguished guest speakers, Mr. Hadi Shahadu, Lecturer at the University for Development Studies, spoke on the need for open dialogue around menstruation. “By normalising conversations about menstruation, we deconstruct harmful narratives and give girls the confidence to manage their health and pursue their aspirations,” he noted.

Ms. Avoka Alberta Wuntima, a female empowerment advocate, gave a compelling message about the unique challenges rural girls face. She called for stronger community and institutional support to provide mentorship and opportunities for girls who often lack encouragement and resources. “No girl should have to give up her dreams simply because of where she was born,” she remarked.

The event was chaired by Hajia Alima Sagito, Executive Director of SWIDA Ghana, who urged communities to prevent early marriages and cultivate safe spaces for girls to thrive. She stressed the need for inclusive education for both boys and girls to instil mutual respect and gender equity from a young age.

The project launch concluded with an open session for stakeholder feedback and group photographs. Guests expressed excitement about the project’s potential to improve menstrual health and elevate young female voices in leadership within rural schools. The project reinforces the belief that investing in girls’ health, education, and leadership is central to sustainable development and national progress.