The First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali, has positively impacted over 1,000 young girls in the Hinterland communities of Region One through her Mental Hygiene Initiative.
Recently, she visited the Moruca sub-district to engage with students on vital issues surrounding menstrual hygiene and period poverty.
The initiative aims to improve women’s health by addressing the barriers faced by girls and women in rural areas, particularly those with limited access to menstruation products.
During this program, more than 1,100 girls received sanitary pads, significantly alleviating some of the challenges they face.
In an interview with NCN News, Sir Glynn De Lacruz, the Headmaster of Santa Rosa Secondary School, praised the initiative, emphasizing its importance in educating young girls about health and hygiene.
He noted that such knowledge is not only crucial for personal health but can also enhance their academic performance.
A grade 10 student, Ashley Welcome, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting that sanitary pads can often be expensive in their community.
The Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, launched in 2021, has provided over 32,000 school-age girls across Guyana with access to free sanitary pads.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to eliminate period poverty, which poses significant social and economic challenges in vulnerable areas of the country.
Through this program, the First Lady aims to ensure that menstruation does not hinder educational pursuits or contribute to health issues among young girls.