By Amos Harris
Flow Day, in partnership with the We Dream In Color Foundation–USA, has launched a free sanitary pad distribution initiative targeting rural women in Quela District, Margibi County, as part of ongoing efforts to address menstrual health challenges in underserved communities.
The initiative aims to provide women with access to essential sanitary products while promoting vital education on safe menstrual hygiene practices. Organizers stated that the program is designed to restore dignity and reduce the health risks associated with using unsafe alternatives during menstruation.
Abigail David, co-sponsor of Flow Day, noted that many women in rural communities continue to rely on cloth and traditional lappas during their menstrual periods because they cannot afford commercially available sanitary products. According to David, Flow Day goes beyond distribution by educating women on proper usage, personal hygiene, and methods for preventing infections.
She credited Dr. Quinton de’ Alexander, also known as Chief Tamba Taylor, and the We Dream In Color Foundation–USA for supporting the expansion of the initiative beyond urban centers, noting that the foundation has previously assisted women in Montserrado and West Point.
With commercial sanitary pads reportedly selling for between L$150 and L$250, the high cost remains a major barrier for many rural women, making the free distribution particularly impactful.
Beneficiaries warmly welcomed the outreach. Diana, a vendor at Kakata Market who previously relied on lappas, described the program as a beacon of hope for women facing similar struggles. Another beneficiary, Slocum McNeil of Jenneh Town, expressed appreciation for the awareness campaign, explaining that it introduced her to safer menstrual hygiene options than the materials she had previously used.
Organizers emphasized that the program is evolving into a broader movement centered on dignity, education, and empowerment, with a specific focus on women and girls who are often overlooked in essential health interventions.
Flow Day is scheduled to expand nationwide in September 2026, with organizers projecting that thousands of women across Liberia will benefit. This expansion is expected to heighten public awareness surrounding menstrual health and generate stronger advocacy for women’s health initiatives.
Calling for continued backing from individuals, organizations, and donors, David stressed that no Liberian girl should ever have to miss school or lose her self-confidence simply due to a lack of access to basic menstrual products.
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