Menstrual Hygiene Day: NADeF Donates 50,000 Pads to 4,000 Girls

The Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) recently marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. They distributed 50,000 sanitary pads to 4,000 girls in ten communities. These communities are near the operations of Newmont Gold Limited.

With support from the World Gold Council, girls received three sets of pads each. They also received a sanitary bag. The communities included Kenyasi 1 and 2, Ntotroso, Gyedu, Wamahinso, Adrobaa, Afirisikpakrom, Yamfo, Susuanso, and Terchire.

NADeF staff educated the girls on proper menstrual hygiene. Workers from Newmont also participated in this education effort. Schools like Kwakyekrom D/A Basic and Ntotroso Methodist Basic were involved.

They discussed personal hygiene and myths about menstruation. The aim was to address physical and emotional changes during this time.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed every May 28. It calls for global action to end stigma around menstruation. The goal is to ensure access to safe menstrual care for women and girls.

The theme for 2025 is "Together for a Period-Friendly World." This theme promotes collective action to prevent menstruation from limiting opportunities for education or health.

Elizabeth Opoku Darko is the Executive Secretary of NADeF. She noted that many girls drop out of school due to poor period management and lack of sanitary pads.

She mentioned that community visits revealed declining enrollment from basic four to Junior High School three due to these issues. Many parents cannot afford sanitary pads, leaving girls at home during their periods.

Darko emphasized that the donation will help keep girls clean and confident during menstruation. She urged collaboration among parents, teachers, and male partners for a healthier environment regarding menstruation.

NADeF was established in May 2008 through a Foundation Agreement. Its mission is to help affected communities achieve prosperity and self-reliance.

Darko highlighted their commitment to integrity and transparency in empowering communities through grants and partnerships.

A student named Blessing Oduro spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries. She thanked NADeF and Newmont Ahafo for their support regarding menstruation education.

Oduro shared that they learned important hygiene practices like bathing twice daily and changing pads every five hours. She expressed confidence in using the knowledge gained wisely during school and social events.