The AnnMends Foundation executed its PadUp Outreach on March 8, 2025 as a celebration for International Women’s Day within Duakor which stands as a lively coastal suburb near the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana. The foundation delivered essential education about menstrual hygiene together with sanitary products and clothing and vital healthcare services to the people of Duakor including women and children and senior citizens.
Why Duakor?
Duakor functions as an intimate fishing settlement which originated with Ewe-speaking settlers who relocated from the Volta Region of Ghana during the 1950s. The nearby community of Duakor faces long-standing challenges because it lacks proper healthcare services while experiencing educational disparities and economic difficulties. The absence of sanitary products in Duakor prevents numerous young girls from attending school when they have their periods. AnnMends chose Duakor as its intervention site to fill the gap by delivering essential education and resources that protect girls’ futures from menstruation disruptions.
Impact Highlights
A large group of girls and women received free sanitary products as they participated in hands-on menstrual hygiene education sessions taught by qualified health instructors. The educational workshops served dual purposes because they taught both protective menstrual health practices and worked to dismantle the wrong beliefs about menstruation in regions with insufficient access to healthcare.
Healthcare for the Elderly
The outreach program made a special point to include elderly members of the community. A dedicated health screening area operated to provide free basic health examinations which included blood pressure measurements and blood sugar tests and weight screenings. Medical staff from Cape Coast provided individual health guidance and disease prevention instruction while identifying serious conditions that needed additional medical attention. The thoughtful approach incorporated all age groups into the PadUp event by providing equal care to grandmothers as well as granddaughters.
A Community United
The entire gathering displayed absolute energy together with complete unity. Health professionals and local leaders and volunteers united their efforts to provide complete support and hearing services to every event participant while granting them empowerment. The power of community-driven change became evident through the joyful smiles and meaningful conversations and new connections formed during that day.
The AnnMends Foundation prides itself as a leading organization that advocates for menstrual equity as well as complete wellness. The transformational effect of compassion and awareness along with access becomes apparent through such events.
