Maryam’s Ways Foundation Hosts Menstrual Hygiene Conference in Freetown

In a bold effort to challenge long-standing cultural silence, misinformation, and stigma surrounding women’s reproductive health, the Maryam’s Ways Foundation has successfully hosted a high-impact Menstrual Hygiene Day Conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.

The event brought together medical professionals, reproductive health experts, and advocacy leaders to promote menstrual dignity and strengthen access to accurate health information for women and young people across Sierra Leone.

Opening the conference, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam’s Ways Foundation, Ms. Mariam Konneh, alongside her team of volunteers, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to reshaping public understanding of reproductive health. The foundation emphasized a dual approach combining grassroots awareness campaigns with youth empowerment initiatives aimed at breaking taboos and promoting informed health choices.

The program, hosted by Precious Jah-Tucker, blended personal lived experiences with clinical and scientific perspectives, creating an engaging and educational atmosphere for participants.

One of the key highlights of the conference was a powerful presentation by Miriam Kama Conteh, who shared her personal menstrual journey as a young girl. Her session focused on educating participants about the biological realities of menstruation and practical menstrual hygiene management.

She encouraged women and girls to speak openly about menstruation without shame, stressing that awareness is key to breaking stigma.

“As women, we must never be ashamed to talk about our menses,” she said, concluding with a rallying message: “My Menstrual Cycle, My Health, My Confidence.”

The second presentation was delivered by Madam Zinobia, owner of the wellness brand Purely Hers, who highlighted the importance of access to safe and affordable menstrual products. She showcased her sanitary pad designs, emphasizing comfort, hygiene, and women’s wellbeing.

Medical discussions formed a major part of the conference, beginning with Dr. Sattu Issa from the Ministry of Health, who provided a detailed overview of the female reproductive system. His presentation aimed to strengthen basic reproductive health knowledge, which is often lacking in formal education.

Dr. Wurie followed with a sensitization session on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that is frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed. He highlighted key symptoms and stressed the importance of early detection and specialized medical care to prevent long-term complications.

Representing Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, Julius Massaquoi educated participants on the importance of family planning in promoting public health and gender equality. He outlined various contraceptive methods and addressed common misconceptions regarding their use and side effects.

He emphasized that accurate reproductive health education is essential in reducing unintended pregnancies and enabling women to make informed decisions about their bodies.

The final sessions focused on women’s cancer awareness. Khadija Konneh delivered a presentation on cervical cancer, explaining how it develops and highlighting the dangers of late diagnosis due to limited screening access.

This was followed by Hadijatu Salam of the Well Woman Clinic, who expanded on cervical cancer progression and also addressed breast cancer awareness. She educated participants on early warning signs and stressed the importance of regular screening as a life-saving measure.

The conference concluded with an expression of gratitude from the Maryam’s Ways Foundation.

Founder Mariam Konneh thanked speakers, partners, volunteers, and participants for contributing to what she described as a collective effort to combat reproductive health misinformation.

The foundation noted that by combining personal storytelling with medical expertise, the initiative has set a new standard for reproductive health advocacy in Sierra Leone, reinforcing the message that informed and empowered women are key drivers of national development.