By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, May 29, GNA-Some 200 schoolgirls and boys’ ambassadors have walked through the principal streets of Takoradi to create awareness on proper menstrual Hygiene practices.
The street event was also to drum home the need for communities to shed off taboos, myths and misconception surrounding menstruation and rather give the girl child in particular the needed support in the home and school environment to thrive.
The event formed part of a broader initiative by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Education Directorate’s School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinating unit to ensure a period free life devoid of stigma for schoolgirls.
Ms. Henrietta Quabu, the Metro SHEP coordinator said ensuring period friendly atmosphere required stakeholders and community support.
She was grateful to Madam Karen Ama Moses, the Assembly Woman for Takoradi Railway and Harbour Electoral Area for her massive support towards the programme.
Other sponsors included Indomie, Barima Rentals, GESRO and the Ghana Health Services.
Madam Regina Opare Badu, the Headteacher, Bedu-Addo Primary School, urged the students to adopt healthy practices during that time of the month to promote healthy living.
Madam Josephine Lecoear, a Public Health Nurse, with the Takoradi Hospital urged them to always wash hands before fixing and removing the pads to avoid infections.
She said pains associated with Menstruation could be managed with warm water, prescribed pain killers and asked the girls to always engage caregivers when faced with challenges within the cycle.
Madam Lecoear, called on parents, caregivers and community large to make the period session a worthwhile experience rather than stigmatising, “let know how to talk to girls, particularly when they accidentally soil or stain their dresses”.
That, she believed would boost the girl child’s confidence to stay in school, concentrate and become a better person.
Ms. Hillary Darko, a pupil, said the celebration had empowered learners with valuable knowledge on menstrual health, personal hygiene, confidence building, and the importance of supporting girls in schools and communities.
Participating schools from the Takoradi Central included, Bedu-Addo Methodist JHS, Bedu Addo Methodist Primary, Perry Hayford JHS, All Saints’ Anglican JHS, Bishop O’Rorke Anglican Basic School, Rev. Appeki Basic School, Bethel Methodist Primary, Bethel Methodist JHS, Korsah Complex Basic School, Wiawso Road Basic School and Axim Road Key Primary.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Email: [email protected]