As part of the activities marking the observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Women in Media Development (WIMDev) launched the Aunty Jessica’s Corner
After the awareness activity, sanitary pads were distributed amongst the students and the left over cartoons of pads were turned over to the registrar thereby creating the Jessica Corner a space where pads will be kept in case of an emergency menstruation while on campus.
The Aunty Jessica’s Corner was launched at the Bishop Richard West International School in Lower Margibi County where WIMDev had gone to to raise awareness on World Menstrual Hygiene Day. At the awareness ceremony, the question of what do students do in case of emergency during menstruation and they shouted that the school registrar Miss Jessica Klayee who is a young woman herself has been providing emergency pads for them personally. According the students Jessica always has a pad or two and is willing to buy some when she runs out.
After the awareness activity, sanitary pads were distributed amongst the students and the left over cartoons of pads were turned over to the registrar thereby creating the Jessica Corner where pads will be kept in case of an emergency state of menstrual signs while on campus.
For many students, especially in developing countries, menstruation poses significant challenges which include limited access to sanitary pads, absenteeism from school, and even social stigma. These challenges are compounded by cultural taboos and financial constraints that prevent students from accessing essential menstrual products. Access to sanitary pads is essential for students to maintain good menstrual hygiene practices and attend school regularly without interruption. Many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or marginalized communities, struggle to afford or access sanitary products, which can lead to absenteeism, discomfort, and health risks.
The Aunty Jessica Corner is design to prioritize privacy and dignity of the students using the space while providing easy access to sanitary pad. According to the Executive Director of WIMDev, Madam Siatta Scott Johnson, the Corner offers a dedicated space for accessing sanitary pads to empowers students, particularly girls, to manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence, contributing to their overall sense of well-being and self-esteem
She added that the initiative will not only will help reduce absenteeism among menstruating students, promotes physical comfort and reduces the risk of health issues associated with improper hygiene practices, enabling them to attend classes regularly and focus on their studies but will also establish peer education group focused on menstrual health to help promote the Jessica Corner, answer questions from their peers, and encourage regular use of the facility. This peer education group will establish a feedback mechanism to continuously improve the distribution center based on student input and usage patterns. This ensures the center meets the specific needs of students and remains a valuable resource over time.
Speaking on behalf of the School, the principal of the School Rev. Francis S. Wentoe expressed the school’s willingness to continue support the Corner by encouraging students to access the Corner. He added that the school is glad for the launched of the corner and the donation of the first set of items. He called on the partners to join the Women In Media Development to boost the initiative. “you don’t know how excited I am to have this great initiative launched on the school campus.”
“we are glad that we have a place we can access sanitary pads for free. Imaging having only $300.00 Liberian Dollar and you have to buy Sanitary pads for $250.00 and you also have to eat, how much can 50.00 Liberian dollars buy” miss Casualine David of the 11th grade class explained.
To keep the Corner functional, WIMDev will ensure the corner is stocked with adequate supplies of sanitary pads in various sizes and absorbencies to cater to different needs. According to the Executive Director of WIMDev, the organization will collaborate with local NGOs, or government initiatives that provide sanitary products at subsidized rates or for free.
Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28th, shines a spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked issue: access to menstrual hygiene products. For students around the world, particularly in underserved communities, this day serves as a reminder of the barriers they face in managing menstruation with dignity and comfort. Menstrual Hygiene advocates have been pushing for the normalization of menstruation, promotes education about menstrual health, and encourages initiatives to improve access to menstrual products.
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