By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Bulenga, (UW/R), June 3, GNA – Madam Rafikata Mohammed, the Wa East District Girls’ Education Officer, has called for collective action to create a “#PeriodFriendlyGhana” where no girl misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene facilities in schools.
She said a period-friendly Ghana should be one where every school has clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and safe spaces for girls to manage their menstruation with dignity.
Madam Mohammed, who made the call at Bulenga during a programme to commemorate this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day under the theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyGhana”, also emphasised the need to end menstruation-related shame, stigma or harmful myths.
The event was organised by the Wa East District Education Directorate with supported from the Community Development Alliance (CDA-Ghana), World Vision Ghana, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, the Ghana National Association of Teachers and other individuals and organisations.
The celebration was marked with drama, quiz and debate competitions focusing on menstruation-related issues.
Madam Mohammed noted that, despite progress made in menstrual health education, many adolescent girls still faced challenges, including inadequate access to sanitary products, poor WASH facilities in schools, and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
She stressed that menstruation is a natural biological process and should not be shamed and stigmatised.
“Menstruation is not a girl’s problem alone. It is a human issue. We all have a role to play in ensuring that girls manage their periods safely and with dignity”, she said.
Madam Mohammed stressed the need for continuous public education, improved access to sanitary products and the provision of girl-friendly WASH facilities in schools and at homes to help address the challenges associated with menstrual hygiene management among girls.
Mr Yahaya Mumuni Abdul-Raman, the Wa East District Director of Education, described menstrual hygiene management as a fundamental human right and an important factor in promoting girls’ education.
He observed that many girls missed classes during menstruation due to lack of access to sanitary products and WASH facilities in schools, which adversely affected their academic performance and educational outcomes.
Mr Abdul-Raman announced that the Directorate would prioritise the improvement of WASH facilities in schools, ensure access to emergency sanitary products, and intensify menstrual health education in the schools.
Ms Lydia Darlington Fordjuor, Gender Officer at CDA-Ghana, encouraged girls to take advantage of the government’s free sanitary pad programme and stay in school.
She also appealed to parents and guardians to support girls with menstrual hygiene products to enable them continue their education uninterrupted.
Goah Naa, Naa Yakubu Jebuni Kunbarekanga, called for the active involvement of queenmothers in menstrual hygiene sensitisation to help address myths and stigma associated with menstruation, and promote family and community support for girls.
The event brought together traditional leaders, teachers, and students from eight schools in the district, including Goripie T.I., St. Augustine’s R/C, Dupare Islamic, Tuasa D/A and Bulenga D/A Junior High Schools.
The schools were each presented with boxes of sanitary pads, while others also received exercise books and pens.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade