Creating Conversations That Empower Girls and Women
Following our first Menstrual Hygiene Day workshop in Graceland, we continued the celebration with a second workshop at Akany Center and a special community exhibit during a local Mother’s Day festival.
One of the most memorable activities was a string game that demonstrated the importance of cooperation and mutual support. As participants worked together to keep the string from snapping, they reflected on how strong communities are built when people encourage and support one another.
Together, these activities helped spark important conversations about menstrual and maternal health while encouraging girls and women to recognize their worth and potential.
Learning Together at Akany Center
On May 20, approximately 100 girls and women gathered at Akany Center to participate in a Menstrual Hygiene Day workshop focused on dignity, education, and community support.
The event began with traditional songs and group activities that encouraged participants to connect with one another and celebrate their shared experiences.
The workshop also explored cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation, motherhood, and women’s roles in society.
In some communities, a girl’s value can become closely linked to her ability to become a mother. Because of this, early pregnancy is not always viewed negatively, even when it places girls’ health, education, and future opportunities at risk.
Through interactive discussions, girls and women learned about menstrual and maternal health, addressed common misconceptions, and explored why delaying pregnancy can help young girls remain healthy, continue their education, and pursue their goals.
Most importantly, the workshop emphasized a simple but powerful message: every girl and woman has inherent dignity and value that extends far beyond her reproductive role.
Vandalized MH Day Posters
Bringing the Conversation to the Community
From May 29–31, we participated in a local Mother’s Day festival, where community organizations and small businesses gathered to celebrate mothers and families.
As part of the festival, our local partner Mercy Ministries Madagascar organized a special booth promoting menstrual health awareness, reusable sanitary pads, and the Dignity Program.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn about menstrual health, discuss common misconceptions, and discover how reusable sanitary pads can help girls and women manage their periods safely, affordably, and with greater confidence.
The exhibit also showcased reusable pads produced through community-based initiatives that create both economic opportunities and practical health solutions for vulnerable women.
Throughout the festival, teachers, mothers, and community members stopped by the booth to learn more about the program and purchase reusable sanitary pads.
More importantly, the exhibit created space for conversations that are often difficult to have openly. Discussions about dignity, health, motherhood, and support for girls and women continued throughout the three-day event.
More Than Menstrual Health
While sanitary products and educational materials are important, the goal of these activities extends far beyond distribution.
By creating safe spaces for learning and discussion and supporting local production, we hope to reduce stigma, encourage healthy choices, and help girls and women recognize their value and potential and stay in school.
Menstrual health is closely connected to education, confidence, maternal health, and future opportunity. When girls have access to accurate information and supportive communities, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their health and their future.
Every conversation, every workshop, and every participant represents another step toward communities where girls and women can thrive with dignity.
Looking Ahead Together
The Menstrual Hygiene Day events and community exhibit represent only the beginning of our Safe Menstrual and Maternal Health Program in Madagascar.
Through additional dignity workshops, local and remote medical outreach, and community partnerships, we hope to continue supporting girls and mothers with health, education, dignity, and practical care.
Thank you to MDRT Foundation, Mercy Ministries Madagascar, local partners, and supporters who helped make these events possible.
Together, we are helping create communities where every girl and woman can learn, grow, and live with dignity.
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]
