The organisers in a photo session with the students

As part of activities to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Ghana Reads Initiative (GRI) has organised a programme to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene management.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day cre­ates a platform to challenge societal norms and promotes open discussions to encourage society to view men­struation as a natural and healthy process.

The programme, which was un­der the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Futures” was to sensitise the public to break the stigma surround­ing menstruation as cultural beliefs have contributed to deep-rooted taboos and misconceptions leading to menstrual stigma which affects the well-being and development of women and girls.

In all, about 150 pupils selected from New Legon Complex School, New Hope School, Better New Home Academy, among others attended the programme.

A midwife, Ms. Elizabeth Ofosuaa Danquah spoke extensively on the menstrual cycle, especially how and when it happens, and what to eat during that period. She advised the girls not to be afraid as menstruation is part of the biological formation of a woman.

Ms. Danquah, appealed to the government to reduce taxes on sani­tary pads since menstruation is part and parcel of the development of a woman.

A consultant for the Ga Mantse Foundation, Madam Naa Kwaale Dove admonished the girls to abstain from sex until marriage.

“Sex is for married couples so young ladies desist from the act if you are not married,” she stressed.

GRI believes that by addressing in­frastructural gaps, ensuring that the government provides affordable and sustainable menstrual products, and empowering society through educa­tion and awareness on world men­strual hygiene day, Ghana will break the stigma attached to menstruation.

This will pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered society where women and girls can manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity and without hindrance.

 By George Obeng Osei