In celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Schools for Salone (SfS) collaborated with Uman Tok to host an informative webinar addressing a critical issue in Sierra Leone: menstrual hygiene.
The event united voices from both Sierra Leone and the United States, delving into the pervasive silence, stigma, and systemic obstacles related to menstruation that impact girls and women throughout the country on a daily basis.
Diana Nelson, a guest speaker and global advocacy director for Days for Girls International, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “In Sierra Leone, only 14% of schools have facilities that allow girls to safely manage their periods.”
She pointed out that 500 million people worldwide do not have access to menstrual products or even a fundamental understanding of menstruation. Uman Tok’s initiative, which combines the distribution of reusable pads with education on menstrual and reproductive health, was emphasized as a crucial step in addressing the challenges of menstrual hygiene in Sierra Leone. However, the conversation underscored that achieving meaningful change will necessitate open dialogue, increased support, and a united effort to prioritize menstrual health.
You Can’t Protect What You Don’t Understand
A significant issue highlighted during the webinar was the pervasive silence surrounding menstruation in Sierra Leonean homes and communities.
Although menstruation is a natural aspect of life, it remains a taboo subject influenced by deeply ingrained religious and cultural beliefs. Discussions about sexual and reproductive health are often considered off-limits, forcing girls and women to navigate this crucial aspect of their lives in solitude.
Isata Dumbuya, the guest speaker and Director of Maternal and Reproductive Health at Partners in Health SL, addressed the repercussions of this silence, sharing concerning stories from her work with adolescents.
“We have seen girls at our adolescent clinic who have started their periods but mistakenly thought it was due to falling down. Both the girls and their parents are often unprepared for this experience because they haven’t had conversations about it,” Dumbuya explained.
This lack of preparation can leave young girls feeling confused, scared, and ashamed of a natural process they don’t fully understand. Dumbuya pointed out that some parents wait for visible signs, like breast development, before discussing menstruation with their daughters—if they discuss it at all. “However, a girl can begin her period without having developed breasts, and by that time, you still haven’t talked to her about it,” she added.
Without open communication and education, many girls remain vulnerable, unaware of their bodies, unprepared for menstruation, and unsupported during crucial moments of their development.
Girls Deserve to Understand Their Bodies
Juliet Rhoman, Executive Director of Uman Tok, emphasized the critical need to address the silence surrounding menstruation and menstrual hygiene in Sierra Leone. She recounted a concerning incident involving a young girl whose mother dismissed her first period as a fabrication due to her age of just 9 years.
Without any support or supplies, the girl resorted to tearing pages from her school notebook to manage her bleeding.
“When I spoke with the mother, she expressed regret and admitted that she didn’t believe her daughter. She also revealed that she uses rags during her own period,” Rhoman shared. This story underscores the pervasive issue of period poverty and the misinformation that often gets passed down through generations.
Leeann MaHota-Rizk, a guest speaker and country director of the Maman-Pikin Foundation, highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity when discussing reproductive health issues within communities.
“People are often very protective of their cultural practices. While outsiders may criticize certain traditions, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind why these practices are considered appropriate by those within the culture,” said MaHota-Rizk. She emphasized that meaningful change arises not only from voicing concerns but also from knowing how, when, and to whom to communicate those concerns. “The cultural aspect is extremely significant,” MaHota-Rizk added.
This initiative goes beyond a simple webinar; it is a Call to Action
As we reflect on the lessons learned, Schools for Salone urges the public to support Uman Tok. Through their partnership, they continue to provide reusable menstrual hygiene kits and essential sexual and reproductive health education for both boys and girls in some of the most remote areas of the country. Since 2020, the program has reached thousands of students, but it requires your support to continue its vital work.
As the rainy season approaches, accessing these communities will soon become challenging, if not impossible. Additionally, the end of the school year presents a crucial time when girls face a heightened risk of exploitation and unintended pregnancies.
To address this urgent situation, Schools for Salone is aiming to raise $15,000 for a final effort to provide resources, education, and support before schools close and the rains begin.
Help make Sierra Leone #PeriodFriendly by donating today. Your contribution will significantly impact the lives of many young girls in remote communities, tackling the challenges related to menstrual hygiene in Sierra Leone.
