Provide Free Sanitary Pads For Girls In School – PROFOH Begs Govt

Professionals For Humanity (PROFOH Ghana) has appealed to the government of Ghana to consider the free provision of sanitary pads in schools as a way of supporting menstruating girls.

According to PROFOH Ghana, health and hygiene, especially among girls should be priortise.

 

 

 

Women and girls face numerous challenges with regards to their sexual and reproductive health as well as accessing services. Although there are efforts to improve educational opportunities for girls, one of the challenges they face is menstrual hygiene management and other pubertal changes.

Many studies have documented the impact of menstruation on the education of girls, with challenges of menstrual hygiene management and acquisition of sanitary towels affecting girls’ school attendance. It is reported that, some girls stayed away from school for up to five days in a month during their menstrual period. This setback leads many to fully withdraw from school altogether.

Creating a healthier, safer, and more equitable world in which women and girls are not stigmatized, excluded, or discriminated against merely because they menstruate, is a non-negotiable obligation for which everyone must take responsibility.

In view of that, the world commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28th May of every year to draw global attention to the issues women and girls face just to be women and girls.

Menstrual Hygiene day is observed on May 28th because the menstrual cycle is an average of 28 days and lasts for 5 days each month (May is the 5th month of the year).

In revere of the 2024 Global Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Professionals for Humanity (PROFOH) had the privilege to advocate menstrual hygiene awareness at St. Stephens Presbyterian Secondary Technical School and Presbyterian Secondary School Apedwa.

480 packs of sanitary pads were donated to the aforementioned schools on this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day by PROFOH in collaboration with Good and Sustainable Medical Outreach (GASMO).

 

The donation, according to Mr. Joseph Fabian Ayitevi, Country Director of PROFOH Ghana, is an investment in the future of our girls, guaranteeing that they can confidently attend school.

“Menstrual hygiene is crucial for health, dignity, education, and equality. This is an investment in the future of our girls, ensuring they can attend school confidently”, he said.

 

 

He asserts that, PROFOH Ghana, founded in 1998, is dedicated to providing emergency services like healthcare and education globally.

In order to avoid the negative consequences of inaccessibility, such as teenage pregnancy and school dropout rates, Mr. Joseph Fabian urged government intervention to make sanitary pads accessible.

“We urge government intervention to make sanitary pads accessible to prevent the adverse effects of inaccessibility, such as teenage pregnancy and school dropouts”.

As a means of assisting menstruating girls, the administrative manager of PROFOH Ghana and Queenmother of Ekumfi Swedru, Nana Adwoa Enyinfuaa III, made a plea to the government to take into consideration offering free sanitary pads in schools.

 

 

She said that since the health of young girls is important as future leaders, it is imperative that the government provide them with pads to support their health. It ought to be included in the agenda for development.

She also noted that the lack of access to pads caused some of the schoolgirls to resort to frugal and insanitary methods during their periods and often absent themselves from classes.

Nana Adwoa Enyinfuaa III said the government should be able to take up the provision of sanitary pad for schoolgirls until local production could guarantee affordability.

She emphasized the significance of commemorating the Day, noting that it aims to break the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation while also providing public education on the need for parents/guardians to act as agents of change by advocating for the continued provision of sanitary materials to all girls and women of reproductive age.

She urges young girls to take good care of themselves throughout their menstrual cycle as a result.

She went on to say that since early sex can result in teenage pregnancy, young girls should exercise extreme caution when they approach adolescence.

 

Professionals For Humanity (PROFOH Ghana)

PROFOH Ghana has made significant global impacts, providing healthcare, education, clean water, and immunizations to millions. It has received numerous international awards and commendations from leaders like Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton. Their global partnerships with WHO, UN agencies, and others amplify our impact. Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental human right. Let’s empower our girls, protect their futures, and build a society where everyone can thrive.

 

 

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