November 19, 2025How the Liberian Red Cross Is Restoring Dignity, Confidence, and Hope for Girls
Sixteen-year-old Rita Johnson, an 11th-grade student at Seebeh Public School, remembers the first day she saw blood on her clothes. She was terrified. Growing up in a community where menstruation was never discussed—not at home, not in school, not even among friends—Rita believed something was wrong with her.
No one had ever explained periods to her. She had never seen a sanitary pad, never learned how to use or dispose of one, and never heard adults talk openly about menstrual health. “My first experience was scary,” she recalls. “I worried so much because I didn’t know what was happening to me. I thought maybe someone had bewitched me.”
In fear and embarrassment, she confided in an older friend who tried to help her with the little knowledge she had. But the shame remained. Rita avoided sitting among her peers, avoided boys, and avoided laughter and free movement. Every month, she stayed home or kept to herself, constantly checking her clothes in fear of leaks.
Even the day she gathered the courage to tell her mother, the conversation was cut short when her father was present. Her mother quickly took her aside, helped her clean and dress herself, and reassured her privately—yet the stigma continued. For two years, Rita lived in silent fear, confusion, and isolation. But that changed the day the Liberia National Red Cross Society visited her school.
Breaking the Silence: Red Cross Leads Menstrual Hygiene Management Education Across Three Counties
As part of the Green Inclusive and Resilient Liberia (GIRL) Project, supported by the Embassy of Sweden through the Swedish Red Cross, the Red Cross has completed a series of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) training sessions across 15 schools in Sinoe, Grand Kru, and River Gee Counties.
These sessions brought together girls, teachers, school administrators, and community stakeholders to openly discuss: What menstruation is, How to track menstrual cycles, the Proper use and disposal of sanitary pads, Myths and misconceptions, Hygiene and safety practices and How to reduce stigma and discrimination.
To support schools and students, the Red Cross also distributed essential menstrual and hygiene materials, including: Sanitary pads, Handwashing buckets, First Aid kits, Waste bins, Detergents and cleaning materials and IEC/BCC educational materials. These supplies ensure that the learning continues long after the training team leaves.
“Today, I Am Fearless”: Rita’s Transformation
For Rita, the experience was life-changing. “It was my first time hearing and being taught about menstrual hygiene management,” she shared with confidence. “Today, I learned new things, and I will abandon the old ways. I no longer feel ashamed. I know my period is my value. I am proud to be a woman.”
For the first time, she felt safe discussing menstruation—even in the presence of boys. The session broke down the silence that had weighed on her for years. “I felt relief. I am confident and fearless now. I can manage my period properly without worry.” Her voice echoed the transformation felt across the 15 schools.
A Movement Taking Root: Saavia’s Reflections From the Field
According to Saavia Naame, the Liberian Red Cross Health Coordinator, the intervention has already created remarkable change. “It’s amazing to see the girls not only taking the message back to their fellow students and friends, but also growing in confidence,” she said.
She explained that the girls now clearly understand that menstruation is normal and nothing to hide from. “They learned how to track their menstrual cycles, use and safely dispose of sanitary products, manage menstruation hygienically, avoid embarrassment and fear, and support each other with confidence”.
Saavia highlighted how the DAPS approach (Dignity, Access, Participation, and Safety) empowered girls to speak out, break stigma, and embrace their bodies with pride. Artwork created by the students beautifully illustrated what they had learned, showcasing new knowledge, confidence, and unity.
“Many spoke about how they never had this knowledge before because menstruation has been treated as taboo for so long,” she said. “Now, these actions have grown into a movement—one that is already making a transformative impact.”
One student summed it up perfectly: “I can be in school even while I am on my period because I now have the help I’ve been waiting for.”
Restoring Dignity, Empowering Girls, and Keeping Them in School
With support from the Ministries of Health and Education, the Red Cross is helping schools create environments where girls feel: informed, supported, respected, confident and empowered. The goal is simple but powerful: keep girls in school, uphold their rights, and ensure their dignity.
By breaking silence and challenging long-held myths, the Red Cross and its partners are ensuring that no girl has to live in fear or isolation because of her period. The Liberia National Red Cross Society remains committed to empowering young girls like Rita—girls who deserve knowledge, respect, and confidence.
“We are not just teaching menstrual hygiene; we are restoring dignity. We are building confidence. We are breaking generational silence. And we are creating a Period-Friendly World for Every Girl, and we are grateful to the Swedish Embassy and the Swedish Red Cross for standing with us in this journey”, Saavia pointed out with excitement.
