By: Gabriel M.C Parker – Bomi County
Tubmanburg – The Ministry of Education and the National WASH Commission, in partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders, commemorated Global Menstrual Health Day with a major celebration in Tubmanburg under the theme “Together for a Period Friendly World.”
The event brought together scores of schoolgirls, educators, and both local and national leaders to advocate for menstrual health as a fundamental issue of dignity, equity, and access to education.
Speaking at the event, Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Jallah, emphasized that menstrual health education is vital to empowering girls and keeping them in school.
“Menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue — it’s a matter of dignity, equity, and education,” Dr. Jallah stated. “When we ensure that our girls have access to the information, materials, and support they need, we are not just keeping them in school — we are giving them the confidence to lead and succeed.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to integrating menstrual hygiene management into the national curriculum and improving WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities in schools across Liberia.
UNICEF’s Representative to Liberia, Mr. Andrew Brooks, echoed this commitment, underscoring the organization’s ongoing support for menstrual health initiatives nationwide.
“Menstrual health is a human rights issue. No girl should have to miss school or feel ashamed simply because of her period,” said Mr. Brooks. “UNICEF is proud to work alongside the Ministry of Education and the WASH Commission to ensure that schools become safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces where girls can thrive every day of the month.”
He also reiterated UNICEF’s dedication to enhancing menstrual hygiene education, expanding access to sanitary products, and building girl-friendly WASH infrastructure in schools.
The celebration in Bomi served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by girls and women due to menstrual stigma and the lack of resources. It also reinforced the shared commitment among partners to foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for menstrual health.
Global Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28, a date chosen symbolically to represent the average 28-day menstrual cycle and the typical five-day duration of menstruation.
Launched in 2014 by the German-based non-profit WASH United, the day aims to raise awareness, challenge taboos, and advocate for greater access to menstrual hygiene products and WASH services.
Since its inception, Menstrual Hygiene Day has evolved into a global movement, uniting governments, NGOs, the private sector, and individuals to normalize menstruation and ensure it is managed with dignity and without shame.
