In commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Royal Women in Cinema Ghana in collaboration with Empower Playgrounds hosted, and supported over 200 girls from Shime A and B schools, under the Anloga district with reusable sanitary kits.
The well-attended event themed, “Support A Girl – Change A Future”, aimed to spotlight the cultural and social barriers that prevent girls from managing their menstruation with dignity, and exposes the cultural myths and discriminatory practices that continue to affect girls’ education, freedom, and self-worth, particularly in rural communities. The event also created a platform for honest dialogue and a renewed commitment to ending period poverty and menstrual-related discrimination.
Held on Thursday 28th May at the Trekume Basic school park, the event brought together traditional and religious leaders including the chief of Trekume, Torgbui Dodzi Kuatewo, Zikpuito, and Torgbe Dominic Apedo (Dosukofe), among other government officials.
In her initial remarks, the CEO of the Royal Women In Cinema Ghana, Madam Dzifa Agbetepey opened the event by framing World Menstrual Hygiene Day as more than a ceremony. She emphasized that the day represents a collective push for awareness and dignity, stating,
“Today is not just another event it is a movement, a moment of awareness, education, and empowerment”. She centered on normalizing menstruation and affirming that it should never limit a girl’s potential.
She also directly addressed young women, urging them to embrace their bodies with confidence and reminding them that “Your dreams are valid, and nothing including your menstrual cycle should ever hold you back.” She added.
A major focus was acknowledging the coalition that made the outreach possible. The CEO highlighted the partnership with Empower Playgrounds, which donated reusable sanitary pads and provided hygiene education.
“This is not just a donation – it is an investment in dignity, health, and the future of these young girls.”
She extended thanks to corporate sponsors including, PZ Cussons Ghana, Blue Skies,Streamline Y & D lnnovations, Sarps Multimedia , Spectra events and service as well as traditional leaders like Torgbi Adaku Dosu VIII chief of Atorkor and Dosukofe, assembly members, the Ghana Education Service, and community groups. Madam Agbetepey recognized internal support from Royal Women In Cinema Ghana’s team, regional coordinators, and mentors like Mr. Ellis Afotey Quaye and Rex Owusu Marfo.
The CEO closed by rallying the community to sustain the momentum beyond the event. She charged attendees to actively dismantle stigma and ensure practical support for girls.
“As we move forward, let us continue to break the silence, challenge stigma, and build a future where every girl can manage her menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.”
Madam Peace Yeri, Educational Specialist at Empower Playgrounds, demonstrated how to use the reusable menstrual kits and outlined their benefits for young girls
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She explained that the initiative aligns directly with Empower Playgrounds’ mission, stating that “providing the reusable kits to the young girls falls in line with our mission as an institution. Also the myth surrounding menstruations over the years has contributed to stigma that the organization is working to dismantle through education and access to proper menstrual products, and this collaboration with Royal Women in Cinema Ghana is a call in the right direction”, she said.
As part of the commemoration, educational materials including books, and products from sponsors were distributed among community leaders, Assembly members, opinion leaders and head teachers, who were in attendance.
