Girls’ Pride Gambia (GP) is a women-led, grassroots organization based in Mbollet-Ba Village in The Gambia. The organization works to end period poverty and protect girls’ rights to education, health, and dignity. It provides menstrual products and hygiene management education to girls, builds awareness and skills of community members to support women’s health and rights, and offers counseling services. To date, the organization has reached more than 100,000 people with sexual and reproductive health education and eco-friendly products.
In The Gambia, period poverty is a major barrier to girls’ education. Girls miss approximately 40 to 50 days of school each year due to stigma, menstrual pain, poor sanitation, and infections. The absenteeism leads to high drop out rates, leading to a higher risk of early marriage, teen pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence. Some girls resort to transactional sex to afford menstrual products, leaving them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and further mental health challenges.
With support from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, GP will implement its Thrive Beyond Barriers project in the North Bank Region of The Gambia. Over 12 months, GP will deliver 20 menstrual hygiene management sessions. Upon completing the training, each participant will receive a kit containing reusable menstrual products, hygiene items, and educational materials. The program will also expand awareness through radio programs which will educate parents and community members about period poverty.
The Thrive Beyond Barriers project will support 2,000 schoolgirls and an additional 200 community members. By working closely with schools, parents, and community leaders, GP aims to reduce school absenteeism and dropouts caused by period poverty. The organization’s ultimate goal is to help girls stay in school, build confidence, and avoid the risks associated with missing out on education so girls can thrive in their communities.
To learn more about Girls’ Pride Gambia, please visit the organization’s social media pages:
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