BY: Shallon S. Gonlor
SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA CO. — In observance of Liberia’s 177 years Independence Day, Nimba County Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono has made significant donations to most imprisoned women, newborn babies’ mothers, and disadvantaged youths in Nimba County.
In a spirit of humanity and good leadership, Sup. Gono touched down major government facilities, donating sanitary napkins to female prisoners at the Sanniquellie Central Prison, and handed a brown envelope containing cash to the prison management.
Contained in her season greetings and remarks, she said “As Superintendent of Nimba County, I’m privileged to serve our citizens in various capabilities. My mission remains to serve our people and protect our freedom, whilst helping H.E. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai achieve the ‘ARREST’ agenda in Nimba”.
“As we celebrate our Independence, let’s also celebrate our independence, the idea that the people of Nimba are strong together, hence we must work in fostering this unity. In the spirit of unity and patriotism, let me on behalf of the County Administration and citizens of Nimba wish you a joyous and safe Independence Day celebration” Superintendent Gonostated.
She at the same time donated huge consignments of diapers, toiletries, and detergents to newborn babies mothers at key hospitals and clinics, including E&J Ganta Hospital, G.W. Harley Hospital, and JFD Referral Hospital in Tappita City.
The Nimba Superintendent then launched and participated in a food-feeding program for about 50 disadvantaged youths in Ganta. A ceremony organized and supported by Ganta City Mayor, Samuel Hardt, and businessmen, Prince Howard and Alphonso Glaydor and Diamond Yormie respectively.
Sup. Gono’s gesture brings to two the number of humanitarians and leaders who have made impactful contributions to female prisoners’ menstrual pad challenges.
It can be recalled in February 2024, a prominent female of Liberia and a daughter of Nimba County, Ms. Wokie Dolo made donations of sanitary pads to female inmates at the SanniquellieCentral Prison amid a ‘wake-up’ call due to the lack of napkins and health concern at the prison facility.
Notably, female prisoners at the Sanniquellie Central Prison have over the periods disclosed that they faced constraints during their menstruation period due to the lack of sanitary napkins and health care. Among several challenges, the female inmates decried the lack of adequate toilets with running water, privacy, and menstrual hygiene supplies constitute degrading treatment in violation of international human rights law, and the rights of women and girls to manage menstruation with dignity.
The health of female prisoners is among the poorest at the only prison facility in the county and the apparent inequalities pose both a challenge and an opportunity for adequate health systems. Though imprisoned women at the Sanniquellie Central Prison constitute a minority, their special health needs are poor and frequently neglected.
However, there is an urgent need to review current healthcare delivery services and gender sensitivity as a result of the overcrowded prison facility. Superintendent Gono meanwhile promised to supply regular sanitary pads and ensure a safe environment for the imprisoned women during their incarceration.
