World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Pencils of Promise and partners intensify menstrual hygiene campaign

A not-for-profit organization, Pencils of Promise, is working with Fidelity Bank and Hallmark Medicals. They are promoting menstrual hygiene in the Volta Region.

The initiative raises awareness about menstrual hygiene. It also emphasizes the need for water, sanitation, and hygienic facilities in schools.

This year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day had the theme “Together for #Period Friendly World.” The event took place at Anlo Afiadenyigba E.P Basic School with a stakeholders' durbar.

The day included public education on menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene materials were provided to pupils from five basic schools in Keta Municipality.

Students from several schools received sanitary products. These schools include Anlo Afiadenyigba E.P., Gagodope-Lave Basic, Adzoatsi M.A Primary, and Anlo Afiadenyigba R.C. Basic School.

Freeman Gobah, Country Director of Pencils of Promise, spoke about challenges girls face during menstruation. He mentioned stigma, ignorance, and lack of access to hygienic materials as major issues.

Gobah explained that his organization has launched interventions to help young female learners. They aim to ease the burden on girls in their operational regions.

He outlined several initiatives: training 1,200 teachers on menstrual hygiene management and providing reusable pads to 6,500 girls. They also train 3,500 pupils to sew their own reusable pads using affordable materials.

Additionally, they are implementing a water and sanitation program in schools. This ensures girls have suitable places for their period needs while attending school.

Gobah emphasized building safe toilets that respect girls' privacy when changing sanitary pads. They also provide safe water through poly tanks and handwashing stations at schools.

Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori-Koree from Fidelity Bank highlighted that one in ten girls miss school due to these challenges. She views menstrual hygiene as a public health issue linked to education and social justice.

Ofori-Koree encouraged young female pupils not to feel ashamed about menstruation. She stated that every girl deserves opportunities for success despite their periods.

She affirmed her organization's commitment to creating an environment where girls can manage their periods confidently and with dignity. This aligns with sustainability goals and UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and gender equality.

Thywill Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, called for better approaches to enhance menstrual hygiene in Ghana. She expressed concern over period poverty leading some girls into risky situations for financial support regarding menstrual needs.

Kpe noted that period poverty affects educational opportunities and overall well-being for females. She acknowledged government efforts to distribute sanitary towels but stressed the need for more infrastructure improvements across various sectors.

Currently, the government has allocated GH₵292.4 million in the national budget for free sanitary pads in public schools starting April 2025. The President emphasized this initiative's ongoing commitment so no girl misses school due to menstruation.

Kpe urged everyone to advocate against menstruation stigma and push for laws improving access to affordable menstrual products.

She concluded by stating they are fighting not just for products but also for opportunity and dignity for women and girls everywhere.