Obaasima Promotes Menstrual Dignity, Online Safety, and Educational Perseverance
A bold campaign by the Obaasima Social Entrepreneurial Program (Obaasimasep) has brought dignity, empowerment, and essential education to hundreds of girls across Prestea Huni Valley Municipality in the Western region.
To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the organisation donated more than 2,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls and female teachers in Abekoase, Tebe, Huniso, and Pepesa, delivering a lifeline to those affected by period poverty.
The campaign, themed “Pad Up A Girl: Accelerate Action for a Scholar,” targeted schools in Abekoase/Tebe, Huniso, and Pepesa, providing much more than hygiene products—it delivered dignity, empowerment, and critical education on menstrual health and digital safety.
Addressing Period Poverty, Promoting School Attendance
Obaasimasep’s intervention directly tackles period poverty, a persistent challenge in underserved communities that often leads to school absenteeism and educational setbacks for girls. By providing a year’s supply of sanitary pads and engaging pupils in education around menstrual hygiene, the campaign aims to keep girls in school and encourage educational perseverance.
Speaking at the event, Afia Yeboah, Project Manager of Obaasimasep, underscored the dual mission of the campaign—enhancing menstrual health awareness and promoting online safety among young girls in today’s digital age.
“In today’s digital age, it is crucial for girls to prioritize their safety while navigating the online space. At the same time, the internet offers vast educational opportunities. By balancing safety with purposeful use, the internet can support academic growth and personal development.”
Combating Stigma and Exploitation
The campaign also tackled sensitive yet critical issues such as stigma surrounding menstruation and transactional sex resulting from financial hardship. Richard Botchway, Obaasimasep’s officer in charge of sponsorship and media, offered a powerful message of self-worth and protection.
“Menstruation is a natural phenomenon. There is nothing wrong with you if you are at that time of the month. That is why Obaasimasep is providing you with enough sanitary pads to last for the year. Do not give yourselves out to men just because you need financial assistance to purchase pads. When in need, inform your teachers and SHEP coordinators for assistance.”
Over 2,400 Pads Distributed Across Communities
The campaign reached hundreds of girls and women with the following distribution:
• Abekoase/Tebe M/A Basic School: 288 pads
• Huniso M/A Basic and Huniso/Pepesa M/A Basic: 552 and 1,020 pads respectively
• John Taylor M/A Basic School: 504 pads
• Vulnerable women in the community: 60 pads
While the donations were well-received, deeper issues were revealed. At Pepesa, for instance, some girls were found using sportswear as makeshift underwear, making the use of sanitary pads uncomfortable and unhygienic.
“Some of them wear sports wear because they do not have proper panties,” explained Christian Seruph, Secretary to the Parents Association, who spoke on behalf of female teachers. “It makes it difficult for these girls to use the pads appropriately.”
Extending Impact to Tertiary Institutions
In a forward-looking move, Obaasima also extended the campaign to higher education by donating 50 sanitary pads to the Women’s Commission of the Land Economy and Development Studies Students Association (LAMDSA) at KNUST in Kumasi.
Miss Jessica Arthur, a student leader at LAMDSA, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “This initiative will help young women maintain dignity on campus, especially those struggling with the rising cost of necessities.”
Applause from Educators and Community Leaders
Local educators and stakeholders have lauded the initiative. Mr. Usman Suleman, a teacher and School Health Education Programme (SHEP) coordinator at Abekoase/Tebe, said the donations are already making a difference.
“This campaign is changing lives. Girls are now more confident and willing to stay in school during their periods.”
Building on Success: Plans for Expansion
The Obaasima Social Entrepreneurial Program is now exploring ways to expand the campaign to additional districts across the Western Region and beyond.
“This is more than charity—it’s about restoring dignity, encouraging resilience, and showing every girl she belongs in school no matter the time of the month,” said Georgia Akua Ashun, Project Coordinator - Health.
A Future of Empowerment
With the success of “Pad Up A Girl,” Obaasimasep is reaffirming its commitment to community development through practical, grassroots interventions that promote education, dignity, and self-confidence. As the organization continues to advocate for menstrual justice and digital safety, one message remains clear:
No girl should have to choose between her period and her education.
Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney
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