PhD student supports 282 Girls with menstrual hygiene and educational supplies

A Ghanaian PhD student at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), Rose Aawulenna, has provided menstrual hygiene and educational support to 282 girls across four underprivileged schools in Nandom.
As one of the four winners of the 2025 Inspiring Women in STEM Fellowship Programme, she secured a grant to fund the initiative, ensuring young girls can manage their menstrual cycles with dignity and focus on their studies.
Initially, her project targeted 200 students at St. Maria Goretti JHS, Kogle Basic School, Nandom Girls Model JHS, and Naa Polkuu Primary School.
However, due to overwhelming need, 82 additional students also received sanitary pads.

Breaking barriers to education
Having grown up in a rural community, Rose understands the challenges young girls face, particularly the inability to afford sanitary products, leading to school absenteeism and poor academic performance.
Her initiative not only provided sanitary pads but also essential writing materials, alleviating financial burdens on families and reducing the risk of girls engaging in transactional means to secure necessities.

Health education on menstrual hygiene
As part of the project, two public health nurses from St. Theresa’s Hospital in Nandom visited all four schools to educate students on menstrual hygiene.
Male and female students participated in the session, where nurses addressed questions, helping to dispel myths and encourage open discussions about menstruation.
Although Rose was unable to be present for the donation, she prerecorded a video message encouraging students to prioritize their education, practice good menstrual hygiene, and explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEM).

Gratitude from beneficiaries
At Nandom Girls Model JHS, Headteacher Madam Eunice Yirbekyaa welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its positive impact on students.
One of the beneficiaries, Erica Baawuo, a final-year student, expressed deep appreciation: “These items have come at the right time. My father is late, and my mother is living with a disability. It has not been easy for me.”
At Kogle Basic School, Headteacher Mr. Abraham Peter noted that most girls come from families struggling to provide basic needs. He said, “The girls were full of smiles when they received the donation. This will motivate them to learn.”
He also highlighted the benefit for teachers, adding, “Motivated students make teaching and learning easier.”
At Naa Polkuu Primary School, Priscilla Bangnia beamed with joy as she received her donation. “There are times I don’t want to come to school because I don’t have writing materials. On days that I come, I do not have a book to write notes or do exercises. It makes me feel bad. I want to be a nurse in the future,” she shared.
At St. Maria Goretti JHS, Headteacher Mr. John Baptist Gyeyir encouraged students to follow Rose’s example. “She attended this school, and today she is giving back. Learn hard so that in the future, you can help those behind you.”

Reducing school absenteeism
Studies have shown that providing menstrual hygiene products significantly improves school attendance among girls.
A pilot study in Ghana demonstrated that similar interventions led to a marked increase in attendance over a three-month period.
Engaging the Community for Lasting ImpactBeyond direct donations, Rose has organized a radio discussion on menstrual hygiene to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of community support in keeping girls in school.
Her initiative not only provides immediate relief but also fosters long-term awareness, ensuring that more young girls receive the help they need.
A call for more support
With her efforts already making a tangible difference, Rose hopes more individuals, organizations, and policymakers will support menstrual health and education for girls in rural Ghana.
Her work serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, young girls can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
From MOHAMMED ABDULAI, Nandom