100 Girls and Women Attend Menstrual Hygiene Day Dignity Workshop in Madagascar
Around a hundred girls and women gathered at Graceland, our partner school in a remote village in Madagascar, on May 16 to celebrate an early Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Laughter, conversation, and bracelet-making filled the room as participants joined interactive workshops designed to help girls and women learn about menstrual health with confidence and dignity.
The Menstrual Hygiene Day event marked one of the first community activities under the newly launched Safe Menstrual and Maternal Health Program sponsored by MDRT Foundation, introduced through a partnership between Mercy Ministries Madagascar, GFoundation USA, and GFoundation Korea.
Led by Marielle Adja, a certified Dignity Campaign facilitator who has served in Madagascar for over 20 years, the program encouraged open conversations around topics that are still considered taboo in many communities.
Why Menstrual Health Support Matters
For many of the girls attending the workshop, this was one of the first opportunities to openly discuss menstrual health in a safe and supportive environment.
In Madagascar and many parts of the world, girls often receive little education about puberty or menstrual health. Some are told not to shower during menstruation, avoid certain foods, or feel hesitant to use menstrual products because of misinformation or stigma. In some rural areas, girls still rely on rags or straw because proper menstrual products are unavailable.
These challenges affect far more than physical health. They can impact confidence, dignity, education, and emotional well-being.
Supporting Young Mothers and Vulnerable Girls
Our local partner also shared how closely menstrual and maternal health are connected in many Malagasy communities, where girls often become mothers at a young age.
Because of this reality, the program is designed to support both girls and mothers through menstrual health education, maternal health support, safer hygiene practices, hygiene kit distribution, and community-based outreach to remote villages and clinics.
While sanitary pads were distributed during the workshop, we believe the deeper impact was the change in perspective — helping girls and mothers feel informed, supported, and valued.
Looking Ahead Together
Through education, conversation, and compassionate care, we hope to help build healthier futures for entire communities.
Together, we can help create communities where no girl or mother feels forgotten when it comes to health, dignity, and opportunity.
Your donation helps provide menstrual care, hygiene supplies, and support for women and girls in need.
| Donate to Support Girls’ Menstrual Health
- Become a Monthly Donor – Help provide ongoing access to menstrual products so girls can stay healthy, confident, and focused on school and daily life.
- Make a One-Time Gift – Support the distribution of menstrual care kits for girls and women experiencing period poverty.
- Give In-Kind Donation – Donate sanitary pads, menstrual products, or hygiene supplies to support girls and women in need. [link]
