The Obaasima Social Entrepreneurial Programme (Obaasimasep) has donated over 2,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls and female teachers in three rural schools within the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
The presentation was to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. Themed “Pad Up A Girl: Accelerate Action for a Scholar”.
The initiative aimed to fight period poverty, boost school attendance, and empower girls with education on menstrual hygiene and online safety.
The outreach spanned Abekoase/Tebe, Huniso, and Pepesa, impacting hundreds of girls with critical hygiene resources and awareness education.
“In today’s digital age, it’s vital for girls to be both informed and protected online,” said Afia Yeboah, Project Manager at Obaasima.
“The internet holds great promise for learning, but only when safety is prioritized” she added.
Empowering with pads and knowledge
The campaign also addressed pressing community concerns. Richard Botchway, Sponsorship and Media Officer, led sessions on menstrual stigma and warned against the risks of transactional sex in exchange for sanitary products.
“Menstruation is natural. You are not unclean,” Botchway stressed. “We are providing enough pads to last the year-no girl should ever feel pressured to trade dignity for basic needs.”
Despite the success, troubling challenges were revealed. At Pepesa, some girls lacked underwear, wearing only sportswear during menstruation, making pad usage and hygiene difficult.
“Without proper panties, using the pads becomes nearly impossible,” explained Christian Seruph, Parents Association Secretary of Huniso/Pepesa Ma/A Basic Schoool.
“Obaasima’s support is boosting girls’ confidence and keeping them in school,” said Mr. Usman Suleman, SHEP Coordinator at Abekoase/Tebe.
Reaching Beyond Basic Schools
The initiative also extended to tertiary institutions, with donations to the Land Economy and Development Studies Students Association (LAMDSA) at KNUST.
Jessica Arthur, a student leader, expressed deep appreciation for the support, citing the growing financial strain on young women in universities.
Educators and health coordinators applauded Obaasima’s intervention.
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand to more districts, Obaasima continues its mission to uplift vulnerable populations through education, health, and empowerment. The “Pad Up A Girl” initiative underscores the organization’s belief that no girl should have to choose between her period and her education.
“This is not just charity—it’s restoration of dignity,” said Georgia Akua Ashun, Project Coordinator – Health. “Every girl belongs in school, no matter the time of the month.”
Background
Obaasima is a social entrepreneurship programme addressing menstruation and digital safety in underprivileged communities. With the aim of
providing over 5,000 sanitary pads to schools in four districts, offer comprehensive education on menstrual hygiene management, train community members to protect girls online against harassment and exploitation.
As well as collaborated with local educational authorities, health organizations, and schools to ensure a smooth distribution of supplies and awareness programmes.
On impact of the programme, it is expected to increase attendance at school by 20% for menstruating students, improved menstrual hygiene practices in over 15 schools and reduce instances of transactional sex for sanitary products.
In future, the project aims to reach more districts through partnerships with local authorities and community-based organizations.
