In commemoration of the 2025 Global Menstrual Hygiene Day, the EDD Care Foundation has donated thousands of sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene products to female students at Zion College in Anloga, Volta Region, and provided much-needed relief to over 500 girls.

The donation forms part of the Foundation’s broader effort to raise awareness, break the stigma surrounding menstruation, and support girls to stay in school during their periods. Globally marked on 28 May, Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to promote access to menstrual products and education, especially for girls in underserved communities.

Menstrual hygiene remains a significant challenge in Ghana. A 2021 Ministry of Education report found that 95% of girls in rural areas struggle to access menstrual products, a situation that affects their school attendance, confidence, and long-term educational outcomes. Similarly, UNICEF estimates that nearly 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their periods.

At the donation event, Headmistress of Zion College, Madam Fafa Kwakumey, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Foundation. “This donation will not only improve school attendance but also boost the confidence of the girls during their periods,” she said.

For many families in the Volta Region, the cost of sanitary pads—ranging between GHS 15 and GHS 22 per pack—is simply unaffordable. As a result, girls often resort to unsafe alternatives such as old rags or tissue paper, exposing themselves to infections and reproductive health risks.

One of the student beneficiaries, a 16-year-old, shared her relief: “Sometimes I have to miss classes because I don’t have pads, and I’m scared of staining my uniform. This gift will help me feel more comfortable and confident to come to school every day.”

Another student added: “We are so happy. We can now focus on our studies without worrying about how to manage our periods. Thank you to EDD Care Foundation.”

EDD Care Foundation founder, Ewoenam Deborah Dzameshie, stressed the deeper significance of the initiative. “We believe every girl deserves to menstruate with dignity. These pads will support over 500 girls at Zion College, ensuring that menstruation does not hinder their academic journey,” she stated.

Ms Dzameshie also called on government agencies and development partners to scale up efforts to improve access to menstrual hygiene products, especially in deprived areas. “Menstrual hygiene is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right,” she said.

The event also featured interactive educational sessions led by health professionals, who addressed proper menstrual hygiene practices and debunked harmful myths and taboos surrounding menstruation.

Importantly, boys at the school were also engaged. They were taught how to fix a sanitary pad properly and dispose of used ones. Their enthusiasm underscored the importance of including boys in menstrual health education as part of broader efforts to normalise menstruation.

As the world observes Menstrual Hygiene Day under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” EDD Care Foundation’s intervention represents a bold and compassionate step towards ending period poverty and keeping every girl in school—confident, healthy, and empowered.