A grassroots menstrual health awareness campaign held by Queenpads in collaboration with its dedicated partners has successfully reached more than 600 schoolgirls and women in Alotau District, Milne Bay Province.
This campaign provided crucial education and access to reusable menstrual products.
Based on updates via social media, awareness sessions were held across five schools – Naura Primary School, Hagita Secondary School, Huhuna Primary School, Kebegiuli Primary School, and Ramhaga Adventist Primary School.
Each school visit was coordinated by passionate local supporters committed to menstrual health education.
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Naura Primary School – 61 students including several mothers participated in the sessions,
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Hagita Primary School – more than 300 female boarding students,
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Huhuna Primary School 133 female students. female teachers, including mothers,
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Kebegiuli Primary School 54 female students, 3 female teachers, 1 male teacher including mothers, and
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Ramhaga Adventist Primary School- 73 female students, 2 female teachers.
In all sessions, reusable Queenpads were distributed to participants.
The awareness campaign not only distributed essential menstruation products but also opened up conversations around menstruation – a topic often left unaddressed in classrooms and households.
A teacher at one of the schools remarked on the knowledge depth presented.
“We teach in class but do not go into detail. This session gives us confidence to continue teaching the topic.”
The campaign was spearheaded on the ground by Anne-Shirley Kove with volunteer support from Shivonnie Sakme a Law Student at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
Queenpads acknowledges the efforts of individuals who assisted in making the awareness campaign possible, namely, Lelebo Betuela and Priscilla Waikaidi.
As well as Maleta Tokwakwasi of ViLink Tours & Expedition PNG and Jessica Iropu of New Britain Palm Oil, Milne Bay Estate.
Queenpads also thanks its partners Sir Brian Bell Foundation and CPL Foundation Inc.
Organizers hope this initiative will inspire continued efforts to normalize menstrual conversations, promote awareness and prioritize the overall health and dignity of women and girls across the country.