2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Inspire Today and appsNmobile Solutions join forces to empower menstruating girls in Ghana
In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility and commitment to gender equality, a fast-growing fintech firm, appsNmobile Solutions Limited, has partnered with the women’s rights NGO, Inspire Today, to provide much-needed support to menstruating girls in selected deprived public schools within the Ayawaso West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana. The initiative, which coincided with the 2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, aimed to alleviate the challenges faced by these girls and promote their educational aspirations.
Reports have highlighted the significant impact that poverty and lack of access to sanitary pads have on the menstrual care of young school girls. In an effort to address this pressing issue, Inspire Today and appsNmobile Solutions Limited undertook the distribution of sanitary pads to approximately two thousand girls in these deprived schools. This vital provision ensures that these girls can manage their menstrual health effectively, without compromising their education and overall well-being.
Recognizing the comprehensive nature of menstrual hygiene, the partnership also extended its support beyond sanitary pads. Bathing soap and washing detergent, generously sponsored by Wilmar Africa, the renowned producer of Jamaa and alife soap, were provided to further enhance personal hygiene practices among the girls. Additionally, items such as deodorants and shaving sticks were supplied, underlining the importance of overall cleanliness and self-care.
The commitment to education was also a focal point of this collaborative effort. Educational materials, sponsored by Step publishers, were distributed to the girls, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning and encouraging them to pursue their academic goals.
During the event, Etornam Sey, the Executive Director of Inspire Today, delivered an inspiring address to the girls. Sey urged them not to succumb to the challenges they face but to persevere and remain steadfast in their pursuit of their dreams. She emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunities presented by Inspire Today’s support and maintaining consistent attendance in school, recognizing that education is a key driver of empowerment and social mobility.
Amidst the distribution of essential supplies and the motivational speeches, the girls were treated to refreshments courtesy of Fanmilk Ghana Limited, a company known for its commitment to community welfare.
The 2023 Menstrual Hygiene Day theme, “Making Menstruation a Normal Fact of Life by 2030,” underscores the long-term vision of normalizing menstruation and eradicating the stigmas and barriers associated with it. The overarching goal is to build a world where menstruation does not hold anyone back by the year 2030, ensuring equal opportunities and inclusivity for all.
Inspire Today Foundation, the driving force behind this initiative, is a formidable social intervention and network organization. Its mission is to nurture a nationwide movement of female leaders, working diligently to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Establish Good Health and Well-Being) and 5 (Enforce Gender Equality). Since its inception in 2019, with the invaluable support of individuals and corporate institutions, Inspire Today has positively impacted the lives of over 38,000 menstruating girls in deprived communities across the Northern, Volta, and Greater Accra regions of Ghana.
The partnership between appsNmobile Solutions Limited and Inspire Today serves as a shining example of how the private sector and non-governmental organizations can collaborate effectively to address critical social issues and uplift marginalized communities. By providing menstrual hygiene supplies, personal care products, educational materials, and motivational support, this partnership is empowering young girls to break free from the cycle of poverty and discrimination, enabling them to realize their full potential as future leaders and contributors to society.
As the world continues to strive for gender equality and inclusive development, initiatives like these demonstrate the transformative power of collective action, emphasizing the importance of corporate citizenship and the creation of enabling environments where menstruation is no longer a barrier but a natural aspect of life. Through such collaborative efforts, we can hope to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
