WiWASH Advocates for Comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene Support at Alogboshie Schools

Alogboshie: The Network of Professional Women in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WiWASH) has marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with a significant event at the Alogboshie Cluster of Schools. The organization called for a nationwide push towards creating a period-friendly environment in Ghana, where girls can manage their menstrual cycles with dignity and confidence.According to Ghana News Agency, WiWASH's event was organized in collaboration with Ghana Water Ltd. (GWL) and featured a combination of educational sessions, advocacy efforts, and the donation of essential menstrual hygiene materials. This initiative aimed to support over 200 schoolgirls, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their menstrual health effectively.The annual event by WiWASH targets underprivileged schools, empowering young girls with education on menstrual hygiene and donating essential items like sanitary products, books, stationery, soaps, and food. Since 2018, the network has impacted thousands of girls in und erserved areas across Ghana, including Wa, Ashaiman, Kpeve, Bortianor, Weija, and Ngleshie Amanfrom.Mrs. Faustina Boachie, President of WiWASH, emphasized the need to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation. Her speech, read by Mrs. Perpetua Asomani, urged society, especially boys and men, to engage in open conversations about menstrual health. She highlighted that schools should be safe havens where girls can discuss menstrual hygiene without fear of ridicule.Mrs. Boachie stressed the importance of equipping schools with appropriate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities and correcting myths about menstruation. Her vision for a Period-Friendly Ghana relies on inclusive dialogue and infrastructure that supports every girl's right to education.Mrs. Cynthia Aboni, Okaikwei North Municipal Director of Education, echoed these sentiments. She pointed out the detrimental effects of misinformation and lack of resources on girls' education. Mrs. Aboni praised WiWASH's efforts and urged other sta keholders to prioritize menstrual hygiene as a national concern.At Alogboshie Basic School, Headteacher Mrs. Eunice D. Yidana highlighted the infrastructural challenges that impede menstrual hygiene management. Despite having a washroom facility, the absence of running water and changing rooms forces many girls to miss school during their periods.In a panel discussion, Mrs. Solace Akomeah, Executive Secretary of WiWASH, addressed the issue of "Period Poverty," linking it to broader goals of empowering young women. She condemned cultural practices that restrict menstruating girls and called for a societal shift towards recognizing menstruation as a natural, healthy process.The event underscored WiWASH's ongoing commitment to improving menstrual hygiene and advocating for systemic changes that empower Ghanaian girls.