Gender
‘Don’t shy away from reproductive health issues’
Despite efforts to eliminate stigma associated with the concept of menstruation, it appears some girls and women still feel uncomfortable discussing the subject in homes and relationships.
It is in view of this that stakeholders on adolescent reproductive health insist that the topic should not be avoided.
Ms Rosemary Ardeyfio, a Reproductive Health Initiator, noted that menstruation should be understood as a “part of women and not a punishment”.
She was speaking at a two-day capacity building workshop for Community Based Organisations (CBOs), Community Facilitators, Health Providers and the Media, on improving strategies for engaging adolescents on reproductive health issues.
Ms Ardeyfio was of the view that education on female sexual health could promote communication, lessen stigma and create empathy.
She noted that there should not be any “shame associated with menstruation” as “that will only make it worse for women”.
“Men have a major role to play in normalising menstruation, and understanding the basics is definitely a step in the right direction.
“Adolescent girls should not feel shy to discuss the concept of menstruation with the opposite sex. Parents must also be involved in the conversations,” she said.
The programme, implemented in five areas, is led by the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) and Canadian government.
The areas include Nzema East, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem, Ashiedu Keteke sub district, South Dayi and Bosome Freho.
It formed part of a five-year project designed to empower adolescent girls and boys to access reproductive health information and services through advocacy and capacity building.
The ARHR Programme Director, Nii Ankonnu Annorbah-Sarpei, observed that there was the need to improve strategies for engaging adolescents, especially girls who are out of school to ensure they have access to quality health reproductive services.
He said adolescents must recognise each stage of growth and development as a normal part of their lives, to help eliminate misconceptions associated with changes they go through.
Mr Annorbah-Sarpei expressed ARHR’s commitment to help adolescents and their peers with information on healthy reproductive lifestyles.
Dr Esi Awortwi, UNFP Programme Coordinator, called for increased attention to issues that could be detrimental to the general development of adolescent girls.
“Apathy toward issues confronting adolescent girls could expose them to reproductive health risks such as unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence,” she said.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Gender
Faith Dzakpasu receives huge global recognition
Ghana’s 2023 Best Teacher, Faith Aku Dzakpasu, has been named in the top 50 shortlist for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize.
Organised by Varkey Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the award is given to an exceptional teacher making significant impact on students and the community.
She was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries across the world.
Now in its ninth year, the one million dollars Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind.
She made the mark following an incredible teaching philosophy which focuses on innovative and inclusive strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.
She also employs research-based methods like Layering Text, Cross Text Analysis and tools such as ChatGPT to simplify complex concepts.
Speaking to The Spectator in Accra on Monday, she explained that her classroom fosters creativity, active participation and hands-on learning, integrating digital tools like Canva and 3D modelling software.
“I have also established centres for supporting students with learning disabilities and offers creative modules to help all learners succeed, regardless of their challenges,” she stated.
“Being selected for this award is a remarkable milestone in my teaching journey as I look forward to impacting on children and society at large,” she stated.
She encouraged teachers to be committed to their duty and go the extra mile to impact knowledge into children.
“We must continue to find new way to make teaching and learning more flexible and understandable,” she stressed.
“Visually engaging classroom designs and inclusive methods would consistently boost attendance, confidence and academic performance,” she explained.
On her own, Mrs Dzakpasu founded the Street School Project, bringing education to street children and the Creative Aid Agenda, which has trained over 4,200 individuals in entrepreneurial skills like biodegradable paper bag crafting.
She also established the Mother of Many Missions orphanage project, supporting orphans with essentials and education. Her “Reinventing Behind Bars” initiative empowers incarcerated women with self-care and reintegration tools.
Ms Dzakpasu, is a teacher at Doblo Gonno Methodist Basic School in the Ga West Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Gender
SDA Women’s Ministries observe International Day of Prayer
The Women’s Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church observed the International Day of Prayer on March 1 at various SDA churches across the country.
The event, held on the theme ‘Reach Out,’ was aimed to empower women to spread the gospel, hope, kindness, and compassion to those in need.
Delivering the sermon at the New Life SDA Church last Saturday, Dr Mrs Cecilia Agyei Darko, former Acting Principal of the SDA College of Education (SEDACOE), encouraged women to stand firm in their faith because God allowed them to go through tribulations and trials to strengthen their faith in Him.
According to her, there would be times in their lives when they might lose a dear one, but even in those difficult times, they must still be thankful to God.
The former Acting Principal encouraged the women to reach out to the poor and vulnerable, and share their testimonies to inspire others.
Dr Darko, therefore emphasised the need for the women to carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to reach out to those in need.
As part of the programme, the women also lifted prayers for the nation and for leaders who would prioritise the welfare of citizens.
They also thanked God for a peaceful election.
The International Day of Prayer served as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, hope, and compassion in the face of adversity.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
