The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) is using the HeForShe campaigns to involve men and boys as advocates and champions to promote gender equality and women’s sexual and reproductive health rights.
In addition, traditional and religious leaders have benefited from similar programmes to ensure that adolescent girls are well-protected and adequately cared for to achieve their full potential.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Dakoa Newman, who said this at the World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Accra, emphasised the challenges girls face about their rights on sexual and reproductive health and the need for proper menstrual health management to protect girls’ integrity and dignity, boost their academic performance and lower their dropout rates.
At the event, the Ministry distributed about 3,000 sanitary pads to six institutions to raise awareness and educate young girls and women about proper menstrual hygiene.
The six institutions are Accra Wesley Girls Senior High School, St Joseph Anglican Church (Private and Public Schools), Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Odorgonnor SHS, Nsawam Female Prisons and South Labone Girls Technical Institute.
She said, “It is also to prevent reproductive tract infections and poor genital hygiene, which negatively affect adolescent’s health.”
According to the Minister, menstruation was seen in most societies as impure hence, there was no open conversation to ensure a healthy life for girls.
“As we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day, there is the need for continuous education and sensitisation of all stakeholders including opinion leaders in communities, parents, teachers and the girl child for a positive outlook on menstruation as an amazing experience that is fulfilling for every girl,” she added.
Mrs Newman said the Department of Gender, which is under the Ministry, undertakes mentorship programmes for girls in and out of school on menstruation and personal hygiene and their sexual and reproductive health rights.
The beneficiaries of these mentorship programmes are provided with sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene.
Mrs Newman encouraged parents to take up the responsibility of teaching their young girls about changes in their bodies as they grow into adolescents to complement the efforts of teachers.
She said the Ministry would continue advocating for girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights to raise their completion and retention rates in school, help them reach their full potential and enable them to significantly contribute to the development of the country.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day observed annually on May 28, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical issue of menstrual hygiene management. The theme for this year was, “Together for a Period Friendly World.”
The day highlights the significant challenges that millions of women face worldwide due to inadequate hygiene. These challenges stem from a lack of education, persistent taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. Many women and girls lack access to clean and safe menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities, thus, impacting their education, health and social status.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
