The problems facing rural education are not exclusive to Ghana. Many other neighboring countries in West Africa have similar struggles. Several years ago, Empower Playgrounds expanded into Mali and Burkina Faso. This past year (2025), we continued our expansion by entering both Liberia and Sierra Leone. Our amazing team traveled and worked to bring menstrual kits to these students. Over 400 reusable kits were distributed between the two countries in 2025, with a goal to distribute more in 2026.
Gender equity is something that is central to everything we do at Empower Playgrounds. We work to give every female student the same opportunities as their male counterparts, and this starts with addressing the issues that are unique to women. Providing a safe, healthy, and sustainable way for girls to manage their menstruation each month allows them to attend school more consistently, preventing them from missing due to period problems. The girls now have sanitary and healthy solution to address their period each month. It also allows some families to save the money that they would have spent on period products. Lastly, it protects girls from dangerous situations that some find themselves in to obtain period products (in some areas, men will convince girls to exchange sexual favors for period products. Many girls are willing because they are desperate to stay in school). Reusable menstrual hygiene kits are a simple, relatively inexpensive solution to a problem affecting girls everywhere in West Africa.
We are honored to have been able to expand into two more countries and provide the female students with the life-changing help that these kits provide. Our vision for the future is a world where every West African child, regardless of location, circumstance, or gender, gains a quality education and breaks the poverty cycle, creating productive rural societies. We believe and know that these kits are one of the first steps to help make this happen.
Thank you for your endless support. Each donation makes it possible for these girls to stay in school. If you would like to get more involved, please contact us or continue to donate to our organization. Every dollar makes a difference!
