By Godfred A. Polkuu
Bolgatanga, May 30, GNA – The Saint John’s Catholic Junior High School Girls Club in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region has appealed to philanthropists to support them with sanitary pads to promote good menstrual hygiene.
The female pupils, through the Senior Girls Prefect, Miss Rhoda Ayinsum Alenyorege, said some members of the Club hailed from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and, therefore, needed support.
She said even though it was important for philanthropists to support colleagues in rural communities to promote healthy menstrual hygiene, it was equally important to consider female pupils in urban area schools.
“Contrary to the assumption that urban areas are immune to the challenges of poverty, many of us come from families struggling to make ends meet, where access to sanitary pads is often a financial strain and a source of deep concern,” she said.
The Senior Girls Prefect made the appeal at a sensitization programme organized by management of the school to mark the International Menstrual Hygiene Day on the theme: “#PeriodFriendlyWorld.”
The Day is observed annually on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene and dispel social taboos against menstruation.
“As we celebrate the occasion of World Menstrual Health Day, we are compelled to address a critical and sobering misconception that persists regarding the distribution of sanitary pads to those residing in urban areas,” Ms Alenyorege said.
“It has been articulated that individuals in cities and towns require no assistance in this regard, a notion that we find to be not only erroneous, but also deeply troubling.”
“As we celebrate the World Menstrual Health Day, we respectfully urge you, our respected philanthropists, to consider the urgent needs of individuals in cities and towns.”
She noted that menstrual hygiene was a fundamental challenge faced by countless individuals, regardless of their geographical location or social standing.
”With this in mind, we implore you to recognize and respond to the pressing need for the distribution of sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene products in urban communities.
“We understand the far-reaching impact of your philanthropic efforts and the potential for transformative change in the lives of those who struggle to afford essential menstrual health products.”
Ms Alenyorege said the support would not only alleviate the burden on impoverished families but also ensure that young girls and women in urban areas could manage their menstrual health with dignity and comfort.
Master Meshack Mua Dimah, the Senior Boys Prefect, on behalf of the male pupils, recognized the challenges their female counterparts faced during their menstrual cycle, and said: “We want you to know that we stand in solidarity with you and promise to support you in every way we can.”
Madam Mary-Immaculate Amonzem, the Assistant Head teacher and Girl Child Coordinator of the School, said management took the initiative to invite officials of the Ghana Health Service to educate the pupils, especially the girls, on their menstrual cycle and the need to take their personal hygiene seriously.
She reiterated the appeal for support from philanthropists to the school to promote good menstrual hygiene and improve teaching and learning.
Ms Freda Atipogbila Nsohpika, the First Runner-Up in the Miss Upper East Ghana 2023, who graced the programme, presented quantities of sanitary pads and branded books to the school, and encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously.
GNA