Abigail Mawunyo Letsa, a 15-year-old student and philanthropist, has embarked on a mission to destigmatize menstruation and empower young girls in Ghana. Through her initiative, the Red Girl Project, Abigail is providing essential sanitary supplies and menstrual hygiene education to girls who often miss school or face social stigma due to the lack of access to proper resources. Her recent donation of sanitary pads, underwear, soap, and face towels to thirty girls at Abrade D/A Basic School in Kumasi marks a significant step in her ongoing efforts to address period poverty and promote menstrual hygiene awareness. This initiative, which began when Abigail was just 12 years old in Tamale, Northern Region, is a testament to her dedication and the power of youth-led change. Her project has already reached girls across both the Northern and Ashanti regions, impacting lives and driving a crucial conversation about menstrual health.
The Red Girl Project is more than just providing sanitary products; it’s about fostering a supportive environment where girls can feel confident and comfortable during their menstrual cycle. Abigail understands the challenges girls face, including missing school, feeling excluded, and resorting to unhygienic practices due to a lack of access to adequate supplies. Her project aims to break down the silence surrounding menstruation, providing education not only to girls but also to boys, encouraging empathy, understanding, and a supportive community. This holistic approach, emphasizing both physical and emotional well-being, is crucial for creating lasting change. By addressing the social and psychological impact of menstruation, Abigail empowers girls to overcome the stigma, stay in school, and thrive.
The impact of Abigail’s work has been widely recognized and applauded. Madam Esther Ganu, a Senior House Parent at Abigail’s school, praised her initiative as a powerful example of youth leadership and highlighted the importance of inclusive menstrual hygiene education. She emphasized the need for both girls and boys to understand menstruation, fostering a culture of support and understanding rather than ridicule or shame. Madam Ganu’s endorsement underscores the significance of community involvement and collaborative efforts in addressing societal issues. Her call for further support for the Red Girl Project echoes the need for collective action to amplify Abigail’s work and reach a wider audience.
Abigail’s motivation stems from a deep understanding of the challenges girls face due to period poverty. She recognizes that missing school due to menstruation perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, hindering academic progress and limiting future opportunities. Furthermore, she understands the emotional toll of inadequate menstrual care, acknowledging that the physical discomfort of menstruation can be exacerbated by the lack of access to proper hygiene products. Her project addresses these intertwined issues, striving to improve health, boost confidence, and enhance academic performance by ensuring that girls have access to safe and reliable menstrual products. Abigail believes that every girl deserves a dignified menstrual experience, free from shame and discomfort.
Abigail’s vision extends beyond providing immediate relief; she aims to create long-term, sustainable change. She underscores the importance of safe menstrual practices, highlighting the risks associated with using unsafe alternatives like rags or newspapers. These unhygienic practices can lead to infections and health complications, further marginalizing girls. By advocating for proper menstrual hygiene, Abigail not only improves immediate well-being but also contributes to long-term health outcomes. Her dedication to this cause reflects her deep commitment to empowering girls and ensuring their access to the resources they need to thrive.
Driven by the motto, “Every girl deserves a safe and sound menstruation,” Abigail continues to advocate for menstrual equity. She is grateful for the support she has received, both financially and in-kind, and recognizes that collaborative efforts are essential to achieving her goals. She plans to expand her outreach, reaching more schools and communities and ensuring that no girl is left behind due to menstruation. Her long-term vision aligns with the government’s initiative to provide free sanitary pads to students, working in tandem to address the challenges of period poverty and create a more equitable future for all girls. Abigail’s inspiring work demonstrates how young people can be powerful agents of change, transforming communities and empowering their peers.
