By Mark B. Newa, Liberian Journalist and Communications Professional
KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY – Flow Day, in partnership with the We Dream In Color Foundation– USA, has officially launched the distribution of sanitary pads to rural women in Quela District, Margibi County. This milestone initiative represents a bold step toward tackling menstrual health challenges in underserved communities, with a nationwide expansion planned for September 2026.
Abigail David, co-sponsor of Flow Day, explained that the program goes beyond simply handing out sanitary pads. It is designed to educate women on safe menstrual practices and restore dignity to those who have long relied on unsafe alternatives.
“Many of our sisters have used cloths during their periods, which expose them to infections and illness. Through Flow Day, we are teaching them how to use sanitary pads properly, how to care for themselves, and how to protect their health,” Abigail said.
Abigail emphasized that the intervention was made possible through the vision and support of Dr. Quinton de’ Alexander (Chief Tamba Taylor) and the We Dream In Color Foundation–USA.
“Years ago, I shared this dream with Chief Tamba Taylor, and he believed in it. The Foundation has already supported women in Montserrado and West Point, and now they have asked us to take this program beyond urban centers into rural Liberia. This is a dream come true; every woman in Liberia deserves access to sanitary pads free of charge,” she noted.
West Point is a densely populated peninsula community in Monrovia, situated right at the mouth of the Mesurado River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the largest slum settlements in Liberia, with tens of thousands of residents living in very close quarters. The area is geographically striking because it juts out into the water. Socially, teenage mothers and single motherhood are common, often forced into informal work such as selling goods or water to sustain their families. For young women, life in West Point is a mix of hardship and determination, and the challenges of overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited health services and vulnerability to coastal erosion and flooding.
The Foundation’s backing has transformed Flow Day from a grassroots effort into an institutional movement for dignity, education, and empowerment, ensuring that menstrual health is recognized as a national priority.
Currently, sanitary pads are sold between L$150 and L$250, a price that many rural women cannot afford. The intervention has therefore been met with joy and relief.
Diana, a vendor at Kakata Market, expressed her gratitude: “I am happy to receive our sister to talk about our menstrual period. It has been hard for me; I use lappas (wrappers). This program gives me hope.”
Slocum McNeil of Jenneh Town shared: “I am so happy for Abigail to come here to tell us about our menstrual period. I have been using lappas, but now I know there is a better way. I thank her for bringing this program to our community.”
These testimonies highlight the transformative impact of Flow Day’s outreach, bringing practical solutions and renewed confidence to women who have long been overlooked.
Abigail’s advocacy is deeply personal, and her interview offers a window into the passion behind Flow Day: She reflected on her childhood struggles with rejection and loneliness, noting that those experiences became the foundation of her resilience. “Beginnings do not dictate endings,” she said, emphasizing that faith has been her constant guide.
She recalled the shame of attending school without menstrual products and the bullying that chipped away at her confidence. Rather than allowing those moments to break her, she transformed them into purpose, promising herself, and God, that she would help other girls avoid the same pain.
Abigail credited mentors like Dr. Quinton de’ Alexander (Chief Tamba Taylor) and the We Dream In Color Foundation–USA for turning her vision into action. “Humanitarian work is never about one person, it is about collective compassion and skills coming together to create real change,” she reflected.
As a senior Biology student with a minor in Chemistry, Abigail dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Her childhood experiences with recurring skin conditions taught her empathy and the importance of treating patients as human beings, not just diagnoses.
Reuniting with her mother shortly before her passing left her with grief but also determination. Her mother’s memory inspires her to pursue excellence and service, ensuring that her advocacy and medical aspirations honor that legacy.
Abigail sees Flow Day not just as an event but as a movement to break the silence around menstruation, provide practical support, and remind girls that their dignity and future matter. “My ultimate legacy is not simply to be remembered by name, but to leave evidence of my impact in the lives I touch,” she said.
Flow Day’s September 2026 nationwide rollout is expected to reach thousands of women across Liberia. The program underscores a national call to commitment and the importance of donor partnerships in advancing women’s health and highlights Liberia’s growing commitment to inclusive, community-driven development.
Abigail concluded with a call to action: “Liberian women need your support. Together, we can ensure that no girl misses school or loses confidence because of menstruation.”
Mark B. Newa is a Liberian freelance journalist and communications professional whose work spans various media organizations. His reporting emphasizes institutional communication, agricultural research, and broader socio-economic issues, including human rights and wildlife– human conflicts. He contributes through reporting, editorial writing, and strategic messaging for organizations, while also engaging in independent journalism that highlights community challenges and development initiatives.
