Golden Inspires Foundation (GIF-GHANA), in partnership with Song’ba Empowerment Center, on Friday, 27th February 2026, empowered over 50 adolescent girls at Zo-Simli Girls Junior High School through a hands-on training on reusable sanitary pad production and menstrual health education.

Menstrual health remains a significant barrier to girls’ education across many low- and middle-income communities. According to global estimates by UNICEF and other development partners, millions of girls miss school each year due to limited access to menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and stigma surrounding menstruation. In some contexts, girls may miss up to 3–5 school days per month during their menstrual cycle, affecting academic performance and long-term educational outcomes.

Period poverty not only disrupts learning but also impacts girls’ confidence, participation, and overall well-being.The training session provided practical skills on how to produce safe, reusable sanitary pads using locally available materials. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for girls who may struggle to afford disposable products. By equipping participants with these skills, the initiative promotes self-reliance, reduces absenteeism, and contributes to environmentally friendly menstrual management practices.

Beyond the practical component, the programme created a safe space for open dialogue to address myths and stigma around menstruation. Girls were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and build confidence in managing their menstrual health with dignity. As part of the intervention, the school received copies of No More Suffering in Silence: An Illustrated Guide on Menstruation, authored by Ms. Rhoda Kadoa Wedam, CEO of Song’ba Empowerment Center.

The book serves as a lasting educational resource to strengthen menstrual literacy within the school community.This initiative directly contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

By integrating skills training, education, and advocacy, GIF-GHANA and its partners are advancing gender equity and ensuring that no girl’s education is interrupted because of her period.The potential impact extends beyond the 50 beneficiaries. Empowered girls become peer educators, influencing classmates, families, and communities. Through sustained partnerships and community engagement, this intervention represents a step toward breaking menstrual stigma and building resilient, informed, and confident young women in Northern Ghana.