Periods are a normal part of life. But for millions of girls around the world, they can still become a barrier to education.
Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re recognising the importance of menstrual health, dignity, and education, and why access to support matters for girls everywhere.
The reality of period poverty for girls in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, many girls face challenges managing their periods safely and confidently.
Limited access to menstrual products, clean facilities, menstrual health education, and support can make staying in school much harder. For some girls, periods are still surrounded by stigma and misinformation, leaving them feeling embarrassed or ashamed of something completely natural.
One of the girls in One Girl’s program shared:
“Like in our areas, they started mocking people. Particularly a young girl. If you have started that thing [menstruating] they will say, ‘you have started doing sexual, and that’s a bad thing.’”
These attitudes can deeply affect girls’ confidence and wellbeing, especially during adolescence.
Why menstrual health and education are connected
Menstrual health is not just a health issue. It’s an education issue too.
Without access to support, many girls miss school during their period or struggle to fully participate in class. Over time, repeated absences can impact learning, confidence, and long-term education opportunities.
For girls already facing poverty and barriers to education, these challenges can become even harder to navigate.
How One Girl is helping
At One Girl, we work alongside girls in Sierra Leone to help remove the barriers that stop them from learning.
Through our programs, girls receive:
- menstrual health education
- access to menstrual products
- mentoring and wellbeing support
- school supplies and practical support to stay in school
We also work with incredible partners like Tsuno, who help support girls through menstrual health initiatives and education programs.
Another student in our program shared:
“One Girl has already taught me how to use pads and all. They supply us the pads and helped us a lot.”
These conversations matter. Access matters. Support matters.
Because every girl deserves to learn with dignity and confidence.
Looking ahead
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re reminded that creating equal access to education means addressing the everyday barriers girls face, including menstrual health.
When girls are supported to stay in school, they gain more than an education. They gain confidence, opportunity, and the ability to shape their own future.
Want to support girls’ education in Sierra Leone? Join us in creating change, one girl at a time.
