Today, May 28, is World Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD), a day that highlights the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management.
The day offers a global platform that brings together non-profit organisations, government agencies, private sector, the media and individuals to promote menstrual hygiene management.
Having led campaigns for open conversations around menstruation, I am aware of the many myths the natural phenomenon is still shrouded in, and I believe education is the cornerstone of change.
As a society, we must collectively create platforms for open dialogue so, we can empower young girls with the knowledge and confidence to advocate themselves and others. This is essential in dispelling myths, challenging taboos and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Access to sanitary products is equally crucial. No student should have to miss a day of school or compromise their health due to a lack of menstrual products. We are happy to note that many corporate organisations have joined the campaign by sponsoring events on menstrual hygiene.
The launch of the National Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme by President John Dramani Mahama recently has reiterated the government’s willingness to ensuring that all school girls have access to menstrual hygiene products.
The initiative, a multi-ministerial collaboration involving the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning is aimed at providing sanitary pads for over two million schoolgirls in public basic and secondary schools across the country for free.
It also aligned with the country’s national development priorities and its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
At the launch, President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to eliminating period poverty and breaking down the silent barriers holding girls back from achieving their full potential.
He said menstruation should never be a source of shame or a barrier to education and achievement, hence the programme aimed to eliminate one of the silent but powerful barriers to the dreams of the girl-child.
Having led menstrual hygiene campaigns across the country in the past seven years, I could not hide my excitement when this national programme was launched.
Over the years, my foundation, Touching The Lives Of Girls Foundation International (TLGFI), has focused on feminine hygiene and women empowerment, distributing sanitary pads to thousands of girls in over 300 schools across the country.
Aside the many challenges young girls in some parts of the country face during menstruation, the occurrence which is a natural part of a woman’s health cycle, is still rooted in many taboos.
With the help of traditional and community leaders, we have helped demystify some of the taboos around menstruation, provided adequate information and normalised conversations around menstruation.
We believe that menstrual hygiene campaigns should not be a day’s event but a continuous effort to educate the public, particularly young girls, on the essence of good menstrual health and hygiene. These campaigns must run throughout the year and be spread to rural areas.
We are grateful to the individuals and businesses who support us with sanitary products to be distributed to young girls throughout the year and the many teachers who use part of their meagre salaries to buy pads for girls just so they stay in school during their monthly menstrual flow.
As we commemorate MHD, let us renew all our commitment to this cause. Let us work hand in hand to eliminate stigma, ensure access to menstrual products, and educate our communities. In doing so, we will build a healthier, more equitable and inclusive world for all.
BY NANA AMA ADUTWUMWAA