AYV News, November 4, 2026

The Girls’ Parliament in Pujehun District has intensified efforts to address period poverty and promote menstrual health and dignity among girls through a consultative round-table dialogue focused on community-driven solutions.
The dialogue, held at the Pujehun District Council Hall under the theme “My Pad, My Right, My Dignity: Local Solutions for Period Poverty,” brought together stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting girls’ access to menstrual health products, information and sanitation facilities.
Hon. Mariama Munia Zombo, Member of Parliament for Pujehun District and Distinguished Guest of Honour, said the initiative aimed to raise awareness about the difficulties girls face in accessing affordable sanitary products and adequate menstrual health services.
She noted that period poverty extends beyond the cost of sanitary pads, encompassing stigma, misconceptions and inadequate sanitation facilities, which can undermine girls’ confidence, wellbeing and participation in education and community activities.
The dialogue provided a platform for participants to explore practical interventions and encourage collaboration among families, schools, community leaders, civil society organisations and policymakers to protect girls’ health, rights and dignity.
The programme was powered by United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL), with sponsorship from AID-SL, the European Union, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs.
The initiative reaffirmed the importance of collective action in ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to girls’ education, development and full participation in society.
Through the engagement, the Pujehun Girls’ Parliament continues to champion menstrual dignity and advocate for a future in which every girl has access to the resources, information and facilities needed to manage her menstrual health safely and confidently.