QueenPads in partnership with PNG NRL Bid recently conducted two menstrual hygiene awareness sessions at the National Sports Institute, Goroka, targeting participants of 6 teams who participated in the PNG NRL Bid National School Championships. These were Under18 females and Under19 male teams representing the Highlands region – Goroka and Mt Hagen, Southern Region - Port Moresby and Central, Momase Region - Lae and the NGI region. The session held in Goroka was the first to include male players as attendees. A total of 240 athletes (120 females & 120 males) including their respective team trainers and support staff were present at the session led by - MH Awareness Coordinator Ms. Dange Barziring and Queenpads Founder Ms. Anne-Shirley Korave. Dange Barziring stated that the session focused on normalizing menstrual conversation within the sporting code. “We want athletes to be respectful individuals on and off the field, to instil values and to recognize the importance of prioritizing menstrual health.” Additionally, separate talks were given to the male and female athletes. “Male audiences were asked more “did you know” and “true/false” Questions to help them better understand the special days and how to be respectful men.” “They also recognize that they have female loved ones that they care for, and that they will one day be husbands and fathers too hence this info session was very helpful.” “For female audiences the sessions outlined basic info about menstruation, its importance and recognizing it as a normal fact of life, how to be respectful when it comes to these special days and why menstruation is everyone’s business.” “More details on tracking of the menstrual cycle, good menstrual hygiene practices and health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices were shared with the female athletes.” Notwithstanding the delicate nature of the subject, the athletes—male and female alike—as well as their support staff and coaches gave positive feedback on the sessions. “Each club and team should provide a secure atmosphere and enable its female players to interact freely and take part in practices or games.” Prior to this session, the athletes themselves informed the MH Awareness team that they had learned about the subject from their mothers or at school. One individual also asked, ‘Is it safe for females to play or train during their special days?’ PNG NRL Bid in recognizing the importance of Menstrual Health for its female players, sponsored 120 QueenKits which was made up of Queenpads, PantyLiners, WetBags, Underwear, Handtowel, bars of Soap. This was distributed to all female players after the Menstrual Health session. Apart from the awareness at NSI, Queenpads also conducted a Menstrual Health & Hygiene awareness on 28th August 2023 with the PNG NRL Women’s Rugby teams from the four regions who were in Port Moresby for their tournament. This was in collaboration with the PNG NRL Women’s Management team with the help of Mr. Paul Joseph. QueenPads wants to continue to amplify the message that menstruation is normal and special. Furthermore, because it is a normal process it should not be a hindrance to women and girls when it comes to participating in sports. QueenPads also commended the PNG NRL Bid management for recognizing the importance of educating young local players on this still very sensitive yet important topic. “This partnership is helpful to build talents to be respectful individuals and to be equipped with lifelong information specially to do with women’s health.”