Prioritise menstrual hygiene in school — NGO

The Founder of TP Women International, a non-governmental organisation, Ms Marian Cudjoe, has called on stakeholders within the education sector to prioritise issues of menstrual hygiene among female students.

That, according to her, would help achieve improved child health and uninterrupted education for female students.

Ms Cudjoe was speaking at a summit organised by TB Women International, in partnership with the Education and Health directorates of the Atiwa West District in the Eastern Region to educate girls on teenage pregnancy.

The initiative forms part of efforts to ensure that girls are educated on the importance of personal hygiene and the dangers of teenage pregnancy.

Schools that have benefited from the initiative include Idea College Senior High School, Sekyere Senior High School, and Aburi Girls’ Senior High School among other primary and junior high schools in the Atiwa District.

Survey

In her remarks, Ms Cudjoe made reference to a survey which was conducted in the Atiwa District from 2011 to 2016 which indicated how most girls absented themselves from school during their menstrual period as a result of their inability to purchase sanitary pads.

“Poor menstrual hygiene may cause stigma and ill-health and can lead to school absenteeism and increased school dropout rates,” she said.

She revealed that TB Women International was embarking on a fundraising project in order to purchase GH¢5,000 sanitary towels to support girls in various schools.

Sexuality education

Ms Cudjoe further underscored the need for the government to continue with its sexuality education policy in various schools across the country, stating that “sexuality education has become a very strong tool in curbing teenage pregnancy in the country”.

The District Health Service Director, Ms Sara Kesse, urged the girls to educate themselves on ovulation and their entire menstrual cycle.

She urged the participants to be serious with their education while advising them against pre-marital sex.