In a remarkable effort to empower young girls and promote education, Rose Aawulenna, a Ghanaian PhD student at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), has extended a helping hand to 282 girls across four underprivileged schools in Nandom.
As one of the four winners of the 2025 Inspiring Women in STEMM Fellowship Program, Rose secured a grant to support young girls by providing essential menstrual hygiene products and educational materials.
Her initiative initially benefited 200 students at St. Maria Goretti JHS, Kogle Basic School, Nandom Girls Model JHS, and Naa Polkuu Primary School, ensuring they could manage their menstrual cycles with dignity and remain focused on their studies. An additional 82 students, who were not part of the original list, also received a pack of sanitary pads each.
Having grown up in a deprived rural area herself, Rose understands firsthand the struggles young girls face in pursuing education. The inability to afford sanitary pads often leads to school absenteeism, affecting academic performance and increasing the risk of early dropouts.
To address this challenge, she provided sanitary pads alongside writing materials, alleviating financial burdens on parents and reducing the likelihood of girls resorting to transactional means to acquire basic supplies.
As part of the initiative, two public health nurses from St. Theresa’s Hospital in Nandom visited all four schools to educate students on menstrual hygiene. Both male and female students actively participated, asking questions that were answered by the health professionals.
This interactive session helped demystify menstruation and encouraged open discussions about menstrual health.
Although Rose was unable to be physically present for the donation, she prerecorded a video message that was played for the students.
In the video, she encouraged them to stay committed to their education, practice good menstrual hygiene, and explore opportunities in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).
Beneficiaries of the donation expressed their appreciation, highlighting the significant impact it would have on their education.
At Nandom Girls Model JHS, Headteacher Madam Eunice Yirbekyaa welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that the supplies would help students concentrate on their studies without interruptions.
One of the beneficiaries, Erica Baawuo, a final-year student, shared her excitement”These items have come at the right time. My father is late, and my mother is living with a disability. It has not been easy for me.”
At Kogle Basic School, Headteacher Mr. Abraham Peter highlighted the impact of the donation, “Most girls in my school come from homes where it’s not easy to provide these things for them. That’s why they were full of smiles when they received the donation. This, I believe, will motivate them to learn.”
He also emphasized how the donation benefits teachers, “Teachers were also very happy because having motivated students in class facilitates teaching and learning.”
At Naa Polkuu Primary School, Priscilla Bangnia beamed with smiles as she received her donation.
She shared, “There are times I don’t want to come to school because I don’t have writing materials. On days that I do come, I don’t have a book to write notes or do exercises. It makes me feel bad. I want to be a nurse in the future.”
At St. Maria Goretti JHS, Headteacher Mr. John Baptist Gyeyir expressed hope that such kind gestures would be extended to the entire school.
He encouraged students to work hard, using Rose as an example of what determination can achieve.
“Rose attended this school, and today she is giving back. Learn hard so that in the future, you can help those behind you.”
Studies have shown that providing menstrual hygiene products significantly improves school attendance among girls. A pilot study in Ghana demonstrated that similar interventions led to a marked increase in attendance over a three-month period.
As part of her commitment to raising awareness, Rose has also organized a radio discussion on menstrual hygiene, emphasizing the importance of community support in ensuring that girls remain in school.
Her efforts not only provide immediate relief but also inspire hope for the future of young girls in Ghana. By breaking barriers and championing education, Rose Aawulenna stands as a role model, proving that resilience and determination can create lasting change.
With her initiative making a tangible impact, Rose hopes that more individuals, organizations, and policymakers will join the cause to support menstrual health and education for girls in rural Ghana.
This milestone serves as a beacon of hope, reminding young girls that their dreams are valid and that, with the right support, they can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.