CHE hosts Inter-school Competition to promote menstrual health awareness in Gambia

This event, was part of activities commemorating Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day, which is observed annually on May 28th, to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management and break the stigma surrounding menstruation. The competition held under the theme – ‘Together for a Period-Friendly World’ featured 20 Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools.

Besides, the event was also aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene education among students, while creating a fun and engaging learning environment.

Phebian Ina Grant, Principal Investigator of the Strengthening Quality Comprehensive Health Education Project, revealed that this year's theme reminds them that change happens when they join forces and that menstrual health is a human issue affecting everyone directly or indirectly.

"It's high time we break the stigma and ensure access to menstrual products and education. This is everyone's responsibility." she said.

Ina indicated that through awareness creation they can collectively work towards breaking down the barriers associated with menstruation.

Ina emphasised that they have come a very long way, highlighting the significant progress made in making menstruation more manageable.

She pointed out that reusable menstrual products and pads have played a crucial role in this advancement, noting that by increasing awareness and education about menstrual health can continue to break the stigma and ensure that everyone has access to the necessary products and knowledge to manage menstruation effectively.

Also speaking, Momodou Jeng, Director of Curriculum at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, expressed his happiness in collaborating with partners to organise an inter-school competition in celebration of World Menstrual Day.

The event, he added, aims to raise awareness about menstrual health and encourage participants to become advocates in their own communities.

Jeng noted that menstruation can sometimes affect girls' performance in school, making this initiative particularly important.