By: Emmanuel Koffa I Grand Kru County Correspondent
Barclayville, Grand Kru County –Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 – As part of the Green Inclusive Resilience Liberia Initiative, the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRC) has successfully concluded a one-day Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) training with students and school administrators in Barclayville, Grand Kru County.
The training, held on November 11, 2025, at the LNRC’s County Office, brought together students, school administrators, Red Cross representatives, and community stakeholders for an interactive session focused on improving menstrual health education and practices in schools and communities.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Saavia Naame, LNRC’s Health Manager, highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting the health and dignity of women and girls across Liberia.
She emphasized that menstrual hygiene remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of public health, largely due to traditional and cultural taboos that prevent open discussion on the topic.
“Many girls feel unsafe or embarrassed to express the challenges they face during menstruation,” Naame said. “This stigma often leads to silence, absenteeism from school, and even health complications. That’s why it is essential to create spaces like this where they can learn, share, and feel supported.”
Naame added that the training was designed not only for girls but also for school administrators, health officials, and community leaders—to foster a collective understanding of menstrual hygiene management practices and their importance in school environments.
As part of the initiative, participants received sanitary pads, soap, undergarments, and other essential hygiene materials.
Naame encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge gained and to share it with their peers, thereby extending the impact of the training beyond the classroom.
Representing the Grand Kru County Health Team, Martin Sengbe, Health Promotion Focal Person, lauded the LNRC for its efforts in improving girls’ health and confidence. He urged male students and teachers to play a more supportive role in addressing menstrual health issues.
“Menstruation is a natural process in every girl’s life,” Sengbe noted. “It should not be a source of shame or stigma. Boys and men must stand as allies, ensuring that girls are treated with dignity and understanding.”
Participants expressed gratitude and excitement for the knowledge gained during the session.
Several students described the training as empowering, noting that it provided them with practical information and boosted their confidence in managing menstrual health.
“I learned that menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of,” said one participant. “Now I can help other girls understand how to take care of themselves and stay in school during their period.”
The Liberia National Red Cross Society, through the Green Inclusive Resilience Liberia Initiative, continues to implement programs aimed at promoting health, gender inclusion, and resilience across Liberia’s counties.
