The Aburi Presbyterian Women’s College Alumni Association (APOWA) last Friday commemorated International Menstrual Hygiene Day with an educational forum at Aburi with the aim of empowering girls in basic schools within the Aburi municipality.
Held under the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” the event brought together APOWA members, students, health professionals, educators and College leadership to promote menstrual health awareness and hygiene education among adolescent girls.
Health personnel from the Municipal Health Directorate led interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene management, educating participants on the proper use of sanitary pads, personal hygiene practices during menstruation, and healthy dietary habits.
Address
Speaking at the event, the President of APOWA, Dr Angela Affran, expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders who played various roles towards the successful organization of the event.
She stated that the donation of the pads was aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the young ladies, some of whom sometimes found it very difficult to have access to pads during menstruation.
Dr Affran emphasized that there was no way a girl should be absent from school during her menstruation due to lack of a pad and urged all and sundry to contribute immensely towards ensuring that all girls, irrespective of location, religion, ethnicity, social standing and political affiliation, have a pad during their menses for a safe and healthy life.
She praised the leadership of the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education for supporting the initiative and creating a platform for impactful health education for young girls.
The Municipal Director of Education, Madam Elizabeth Afriyie, encouraged the young girls to stay healthy and focused.
She stated that the Municipal Directorate was ready to partner with all stakeholders towards the proper training and upbringing of all Ghanaian children so they become economically empowered to they can contribute towards the nation’s productivity.
The Principal of the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Dr Mrs. Cynthia Anim, who chaired the function, commended the organizers for championing a cause that promotes dignity, health, and confidence among girls.
She encouraged the girls to remain focused on their education and not allow challenges associated with menstruation to affect their academic aspirations.
Respect girls
Dr Anim also urged the boys present to treat girls with respect and understanding, emphasizing that menstruation was a natural part of the growth and development process for every young woman.
She called for greater empathy and support within schools to help eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with menstruation.
Staff of the Department of Social Welfare also took the students through a brief lesson on Drug Abuse.
Donation of pads
APOWA presented sanitary pads to all the girls present and also refreshed them.
The forum forms part of broader efforts by APOWA and its partners to contribute to a more informed, supportive, and menstrual-friendly society for girls across Ghana.
Recognizing the financial challenges some girls face in accessing disposable sanitary products, the facilitators also demonstrated safe and hygienic ways of using reusable cloth materials during menstruation.
Discussions further covered the proper disposal of used sanitary pads and the responsible use of painkillers during menstrual cycles.
To reinforce the educational messages delivered at the forum, students of the Presbyterian Women’s College Demonstration Junior High School staged a drama performance highlighting issues of menstrual hygiene, stigma, and self-confidence among young girls.
Also present at the function were officials from the Municipal Education Directorate including Basic and Secondary Coordinator, Gender, SHEP, Girls Education Officer, Deputy Director for Monitoring and Supervision, SISO and HR Officer as well as the Municipal Health Directorate. were present at the programme.
