In commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, education officials in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality have called on parents and guardians to take an active role in educating young girls about menstrual hygiene.
Nana Pokuaa Amoakoa, the Municipal Education Director, emphasized that parents should initiate these crucial conversations at home before schools provide supplementary education. She stressed the importance of normalizing menstruation as a natural part of growth to prevent stigma and misinformation.
“In modern times, girls as young as nine experience their first menstrual cycle due to factors like diet and environmental changes unlike in the past when it typically occurred in their teens. This makes parental guidance even more essential. Parents have the responsibility of buying sanitary pads for their girls,” she explained.
On the other hand, Nana Amoakoa advised young girls to maintain proper hygiene during menstruation and emphasized that they should not use it as an excuse to miss school, as it is a natural part of their well-being.
The Municipal Education Director made these remarks during the Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration held in Abuakwa-Agogo, Ashanti Region.
Government’s sanitary pad initiative: A step forward
The Girl-Child Coordinator for the Atwima Nwabiagya municipality, Madam Hawa Musah acknowledged the government’s efforts in providing free sanitary pads to schoolgirls. She noted that this initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of promoting gender equality and ensuring equal access to education.
However, she urged the government to fulfill its commitments to sustain such programs, emphasizing their impact on girls’ education and well-being.
“While we appreciate the free sanitary pad initiative, consistent implementation is key to keeping girls in school and empowering them with the right knowledge. Many young girls in rural areas struggle to access sanitary pads, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. These interventions are vital, and we need more partners to support the initiative by providing free pads to these girls,” Madam Musah stated.
The event highlighted the need for collaborative efforts between families, schools, and policymakers to break taboos surrounding menstruation and ensure girls can manage their hygiene with dignity.
Free sanitary pads were distributed to young girls in the municipality.
