Inson Ghana in collaboration with the Ahanta West Municipal Education Board in the Western Region recently held its second annual training on period poverty.
The initiative aims to address a critical issue that affects countless women and girls during their menstrual cycle.
More than 500 students from 81 schools across the city participated, each receiving two packs of sanitary napkins, an expansion of last year’s “One Napkin for One Girl” campaign.
The programme covered important topics such as menstrual hygiene habits and management, types of sanitary napkins and their proper use, and maintaining good personal hygiene during menstruation.
Additionally, the importance of breaking the taboos surrounding menstruation was also highlighted.
Fighting period poverty
The training is part of Inson Ghana’s wider mission to address menstruation-related challenges, fight period poverty head-on and enable young women to stay focused on their education.
Edward Mensah, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator at Inson Ghana, highlighted the global prevalence of period poverty, saying “women often face discrimination and abuse because of this natural biological process.”
In communities with extreme poverty and deep-rooted cultural beliefs, lack of access to basic needs such as sanitary napkins exacerbates gender inequality and negatively impacts women’s well-being.
“We can break down barriers, empower girls and create a more equitable future. Let us continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all women and girls in our communities,” Mensa said.
Call to action
As a call to action, Ahanta West Municipality Superintendent, Mr George Effah, highlighted this year’s theme: “Together for a Period Friendly Ghana”.
“Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue, it is a matter of dignity and human rights. Too often, girls face stigma, discrimination and barriers to education simply because they menstruate. This must change – and it starts with us,” Effa said.
Effa also highlighted the wider health impacts of menstrual hygiene.
“When girls and women have access to safe, affordable sanitary products to manage their menstruation, their risk of infection decreases. This can have a knock-on effect on overall sexual and reproductive health, including reducing teenage pregnancies and improving maternal outcomes.”
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Impact on education
Stakeholders were urged to promote menstrual health education in schools, ensure access to affordable menstrual products, and support policies that eliminate stigma surrounding menstruation.
“Together, we can build a Ghana where all girls and women can thrive, whether they menstruate or not,” Effa added, expressing gratitude to Inson Ghana for their generosity and compassion.
Breaking the Silence
Irene dela Amedeka stressed that menstrual hygiene management is not only a health issue, but also a matter of dignity, equality and human rights.
“The silence and stigma surrounding menstruation must be broken. It is time that all women and girls have access to safer and more hygienic menstrual products, proper sanitation facilities and comprehensive education on menstrual health,” she said.
Lack of information about menstruation leads to poor hygiene and unhealthy practices, misunderstandings and negative attitudes.
“A comprehensive approach to menstrual hygiene will enable women and girls to manage their periods with dignity, maintain their health and fulfil their potential. Let us work together to create a world where menstruation is no barrier to equality and dignity,” Amedeka concluded.
Practical Guidance
Representatives from the Ghana Health Service, Ms. Evelyn Mensah and Ms. Portia Assun, gave practical training to the students on proper hygiene practices during menstruation.
This included changing sanitary napkins and washing hands every four hours to prevent bacterial infection.
Inson Ghana’s work is a powerful example of how collective effort can significantly improve menstrual health and education, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for all.
Students took on the role of storytellers and used engaging educational dramas to demystify menstruation and dispel myths and taboos.
Their performances evoked laughter and understanding, created a safe space for open dialogue and broke down the barriers surrounding period poverty.
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