The Medical Students Association of the Family Health University has presented over 2,000 menstrual pads to selected female students from Basic Schools in the Ledzokuku Municipality in the Greater Accra Region at a special ceremony on Friday.

Each of the 650 girls received a 3-month supply of menstrual pads to help them manage their menstruation safely, so they do not miss school for lack of pads.
The event, which was the 3rd edition, had the theme “supporting menstrual health, securing the future of girls” and dubbed “Pad a girl initiative” was organized by the Medical Students Association of the Family Health University in collaboration with the Ledzokuku Municipal Education Directorate.

Some scenes from the event

The presentation of the pads and the health education was part of activities marking this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is celebrated on 28th May every year.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ledzokuku Municipal Director of Education, Mrs Theresa Tetteh, was full of praise for the medical students and the Family Health University for their regular support to the girls in the municipality.

She used the occasion to commend all stakeholders who keep collaborating with the Ghana Education Service towards the training and the promotion of education in the municipality and the country as a whole.

“Your period is not a weakness. It is a sign of good health. It is not a reason to stay home. It is not a reason to be teased. You deserve to manage it with safety and pride. Pad the Girl is not just about handing out products to the girls. It is about handing back days, dignity, and dreams. When we support menstrual health, we are not just managing a cycle”. Mrs Tetteh said.

The Municipal Director added that, “we are securing attendance lists, graduation rolls, and future boardrooms. This is something we can all do by going the extra mile with our energy, ideas, resources, and time to shape the future of the young girl to reach their lifetime dreams”.

She appealed to parents to make it a priority to ensure that their daughters are provided with pads, clean water and other resources needed during their menses so they do not miss school and examinations since it could affect their education and future dreams.

The Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, Benjamin Ayiku, eulogized the Medical Students and the Family Health University to complement the government’s efforts at providing sanitary pads to female students across the country.

The items

He stated that the government has already distributed over 5000 sanitary pads to female students in the municipality this year, all geared towards ensuring a safe and healthy menstruation for the girls.

Dr. Leticia Appiah, Community Health Department at the Family Health University said “supporting menstrual health is a shared responsibility. When we ensure that every girl has access to sanitary products, proper education, and a supportive environment, we are not just addressing hygiene needs but we are protecting education, confidence, and future opportunities”.

She explained that a girl should never have to choose between her dignity and her schooling, and by standing together, they were securing a healthier, stronger, and more equitable future for all girls.

The President of the Medical Students Association, Bernard Opoku Jnr, commended the various sponsors for supporting them so they could also assist the female students with the pads.

He pledged the student’s readiness to continue partnering with the Ledzokuku Education Directorate to continue providing support to the girls.

On hand were health experts who spent quality time educating the girls on their menstrual health and other health issues so they could stay healthy at all times.

A team from the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly Polyclinic were present to also educate and demonstrate to the gathering the proper use of the pad, as both male and female students were offered the opportunity to exhibit their skills in how to use the pad to the admiration of the audience.

Madam Issahaku Humu, Girl Education Officer for the Ledzokuku Education Directorate, said the proper upbringing of the girl child was the responsibility of all and called for more support towards the welfare of both girls and boys.

She pledged to continue collaborating with various institutions towards the proper upbringing and training of all children, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, political and other affiliations.
By:Felix A.Baidoo