In a commendable display of corporate social responsibility, Newage Agric Solutions Ltd has joined forces with women’s health advocacy group Afrika Nyornu to champion menstrual hygiene education and empower adolescent girls across farming communities in Akatsi, Botanga Tono, Asutuare, Kpetoe, and Golokuati.

The initiative formed part of activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, and also coincided with Newage’s fifth anniversary, underlining the company’s commitment to making a lasting social impact within its operational communities.

At the Shai Osudoku District, a flagship event was held at the St. Joseph Parish Hall in Asutuare, where 200 learners from Asutuare R/C Basic Schools 1 and 2 – including 150 girls from Junior High School levels – took part in an inclusive and engaging session on menstrual hygiene management.

In a setting that encouraged openness and participation, both boys and girls were educated on the science of menstruation, debunked prevalent myths, and discussed ways to eliminate stigma. The programme built confidence and awareness among young people, stressing the importance of mutual understanding and support.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Beatrice Nortey, Corporate Services Manager at Newage, highlighted the importance of fostering a period-friendly environment in which girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity.

“This year marks our fifth year as a company, and we are partnering with Afrika Nyornu to empower young girls. We believe that empowering the girl child starts with equipping her with the right information and creating spaces where she feels safe to ask questions, share experiences, and access the support she needs,” she said.

Participants were introduced to a variety of menstrual hygiene management products, including sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, reusable pads, and improvised alternatives — many of which were entirely new to the students. Practical demonstrations enabled the learners to understand how to use each product effectively, with boys and girls actively participating.

A major highlight of the programme was the distribution of sanitary towels to girls — a gesture warmly received by both students and school authorities. In total, an estimated 3,000 sanitary towels were distributed to around 1,000 girls across the six farming communities. “I didn’t know about menstrual cups, and it was surprising to see one. But I have learnt today that it is something safe that I can also use when I don’t have a pad. I would like to try it and see,” said Sandra Totome, a student.

Emmanuel, another student, remarked: “We thank Newage and Afrika Nyornu for this training. It will help our girls to keep themselves clean when they have their period.” “I have learnt how to fix a sanitary pad, and I think this can help me assist my sister even when my mother is not around to help her change,” added Hassim Ibrahim, a first-time participant in menstrual hygiene education.

Ms Joyce Opoku, representing Afrika Nyornu, praised the partnership as a progressive step towards dismantling menstrual taboos and fostering gender-inclusive empowerment.

“Our theme this year is ‘Together for a period-friendly world’. It is important to educate young girls on the significance of menstrual hygiene so they do not feel left out but are equipped to take care of themselves. This is why Afrika Nyornu and Newage Agric Solutions Ltd have partnered to create an empowerment programme for these learners. Such partnerships are necessary to establish a safe space for our young girls,” she stated.

The programme concluded with a call to school leaders to create supportive, period-friendly environments where menstruation can be discussed openly, managed hygienically, and never be a source of shame.

This impactful initiative by Newage Agric Solutions Ltd not only reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community development but also positioned the brand as a leading advocate for girl-child empowerment and menstrual health in Ghana.