Keta: Pencils of Promise, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has supported about 300 girls from five basic schools in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region to commemorate this year's Menstrual Hygiene Day at Anlo-Afiadenyigba Evangelical Presbyterian Basic School. The event served as a platform to address the challenges faced by women and girls in accessing comprehensive menstrual education and to promote menstrual health and hygiene.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Freeman Gobah, the Country Director of Pencils of Promise, emphasized the importance of eliminating taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. He advocated for every girl child to have access to quality menstrual products, period education, and period-friendly facilities. The NGO marked this year's Menstrual Hygiene Day by collaborating with community stakeholders, government agencies, and partners such as Fidelity Bank, Ghana, and Hallmark Medical to advance menstrual health for girls.
Mr. Gobah highlighted the significant health concerns that inadequate menstrual hygiene management poses to women and girls, particularly in underserved communities. He pointed out the lack of necessary infrastructure and knowledge in these areas, urging immediate action to support girls during menstruation.
Through its menstrual hygiene management programs, Pencils of Promise has equipped over 1,200 teachers with the knowledge to effectively implement menstrual hygiene practices in schools. This initiative has largely benefited girl students nationwide. Additionally, a partnership with the 'Pad Project' has facilitated the distribution of over 6,500 affordable reusable sanitary pads to girls in basic schools, ensuring their continued participation in school activities.
The NGO also trained approximately 3,500 girls from hygiene clubs on how to create reusable sanitary pads using hygienic, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly materials. This initiative aimed to empower girls to manage their menstrual health independently and confidently.
Madam Nana Yaa Afriyie Ofori, Head of Partnership and Sustainability at Fidelity Bank, expressed the bank's commitment to inclusive development and partnerships. She highlighted the concerning statistic that 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during their periods due to lack of access to sanitary products and poor sanitation. She commended Pencils of Promise for their efforts and pledged continued support for menstrual hygiene initiatives.
The beneficiary students from schools such as Anlo-Afiadenyigba RC and EP Basic, Gagodope-Lave Basic, Adzoatsi M. A Basic, and Tengekope Basic schools expressed gratitude for the support. They promised to make good use of the sanitary pads for their benefit, marking a significant step towards improved menstrual hygiene and education in the region.
