Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali, has extended her Menstrual Hygiene Initiative to the remote Region Eight, aiming to combat period poverty and dismantle taboos surrounding menstruation.During a visit to the region last week, Mrs Ali launched the programme at the Kato secondary school, providing girls with free sanitary pads and guidance on menstrual hygiene. The initiative, first introduced in 2021, seeks to empower girls by offering practical support and promoting body confidence.“Through the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, we are dispelling myths around menstruation and tackling the problem head-on by distributing free sanitary pads to girls in secondary schools across Guyana,” Mrs Ali said.“Having your period is not a weakness or a burden, and it should never be a barrier. It is a sign of life, health, and womanhood, and every girl deserves to feel clean, safe and confident every day of the month,” she added.Students gathered in the auditorium at the Kato Secondary school. in Region EightRecalling her own experiences, the First Lady said many girls grow up being discouraged from speaking about menstruation, which is often viewed as inappropriate or shameful. She emphasised the importance of open dialogue to help remove the stigma and normalise menstrual health education.“Too many girls are forced to miss school during their periods. Missing just a few days each month may seem insignificant, but it adds up—leading to missed lessons, lost opportunities and gaps in education,” Mrs Ali said.Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, praised the initiative for reaching under-served communities like Kato. She said the programme would help break the silence surrounding menstruation, reduce stigma, and support girls’ participation in education and wider society.Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang and students of Kato Secondary school during the launch of the progamme in the region. (Photo: News Room/ June 19, 2025)“By breaking the silence, we remove barriers to education and equality, and affirm the dignity of every girl,” the Ambassador said.Globally, access to affordable sanitary products remains a challenge, especially in rural and marginalised communities. The initiative helps alleviate this burden by ensuring sanitary pads are available in schools and distributed to girls at no cost.More than 32,000 girls attending schools across Guyana have so far benefited from the programme, allowing them to focus on their education without the added concern of managing menstrual health costs.The post First Lady expands Menstrual Hygiene Initiative to remote Region 8 appeared first on News Room Guyana.