By: Edmund C. Gbarwee, Nimba D-9 TV Public Health Reporter, nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com, ceo@onenimbahouse.com, WhatsApp#: +231778070604

Marshall City, Margibi County, Liberia: – In Margibi County, Liberia, a groundbreaking initiative is transforming the approach to menstrual hygiene and climate change. Supported by the African Climate Justice Movement and funded by the Global Fund for Women Champions, the Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WEFL) is spearheading a crucial project in Marshall City that addresses both environmental and health challenges.

Marshall City, a vital fishery hub and the home of the Maritime Authority of Liberia faces unique difficulties in managing menstrual waste. The local population, which includes numerous language-speaking groups, presents a significant challenge for effective communication and awareness-building.

However, WEFL, under the leadership of Founder and Executive Director Madame Laura Bee Kiekpo and Project Officer Antonette Johnson, is making strides in overcoming these barriers.

Menstrual hygiene and waste management are increasingly recognized as critical factors in climate change. The practice of burning menstrual waste, common in many communities, contributes to air pollution and exacerbates environmental degradation. Plastics and other waste materials, when improperly disposed of, compound these issues, creating a cycle of environmental harm that affects everyone.

In response, WEFL has launched a comprehensive and collective menstrual hygiene awareness campaign in Marshall City. This initiative focuses on educating women and teenagers about the environmental impacts of improper menstrual waste disposal and promoting sustainable alternatives. The campaign includes an assessment of current practices and the distribution of reusable sanitary pads, aimed at reducing the reliance on disposable products that contribute to waste.

The project has garnered enthusiastic support from local stakeholders, particularly women, who are eager to collaborate with WEFL to mitigate climate change challenges. At a recent awareness session, participants were provided with valuable health tips and reusable sanitary pads, marking a significant step towards more sustainable menstrual management practices.

On the other hand, this paper observed that the communities along the river bank also use the water to waste garbage which pollutes the river and reduces fish growth hindering food security in the country.

The success of this initiative highlights the critical intersection between women’s health and environmental sustainability. By addressing menstrual waste management, WEFL is not only improving the health and well-being of women in Marshall City but also contributing to broader climate change mitigation efforts.

As the project continues, WEFL remains committed to expanding its outreach and ensuring that even the most hard-to-reach communities benefit from its services. The collaboration between local stakeholders and international supporters underscores the importance of a united effort in tackling both environmental and health challenges.

In conclusion, the WEFL-led project in Marshall City exemplifies how targeted, community-driven initiatives can make a meaningful impact on climate change and public health.

More funding is needed for WEFL to continue this program across most of the coastal counties and cities across Liberia that has huge challenges with very little or even no idea of threats to the climate.

By empowering women and promoting sustainable practices, WEFL is paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future for Marshall City and beyond.