MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Liberia has benefited from a donation of a machine that will produce sanitary pads for the first time in Liberia.
First Lady Clar Marie Weah made the disclosure Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the launch of the ‘She’s You’ Menstrual and personal Hygiene initiative in Monrovia.
Madam Weah said the Machine was donated to her Foundation by the Merck Foundation. The Liberian First Lady said the coming of the Machine is a great milestone for women and girls in Liberia as it will increase access to menstrual pads.
She also wants the Ministry of Education to put in place policies that are aligned with good menstrual hygiene and health for young Liberian school girls.
She was joined at the occasion by President George Weah and an array of other officials of government and international partners.
For his part, President George Weah said, through the educative program, both males and females will be aware of their responsibilities during menstrual period.
The Liberian leader added that due to lack of massive awareness on menstrual cycle, homes are being broken, something he said is creating serious problems.
He said he will help to sponsor any radio or television program as a mean of providing sufficient education on the reproductive activities.
Meanwhile, President Weah has pledged to provide a menstrual pad production machine toward the initiative. Meanwhile, President Weah has pledged to provide a menstrual pad production machine toward the initiative.
At the same time, the Resident Representative of the UNFPA to Liberia, Dr. Barnett Ndaybanki says the United Nations is committed to empowerment of women and young girls to tackle the issue stigma surrounding menstrual discrimination. Dr. Barnett said stigma surrounding menstrual hygiene can sometimes lead to increase discrimination and exclusion to women and girls.
According to him in addition to supplying menstrual hygienic materials, increased public awareness and the introduction of sexual and reproductive health in every school could solve some of the problems surrounding menstrual discrimination.
Dr. Barnett said UNFPA has over the years work in the South Eastern counties to promote sexual and reproductive health programs at several schools in Maryland, Rivergee, and Grand Gedeh among others.
The UN envoy pledged his institution commitment to supporting the works of the first lady Clar Weah to achieve its overall goal for Liberian women and girls. Hundreds of girls benefited from a donation of menstrual hygiene packages during the launch.
