Wensah Foundation International, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has organized a menstrual hygiene sensitization programme for pupils of Nyamaah Basic School and St. Patrick School in the Sunyani Municipality as part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The initiative, which reached more than 150 pupils from the two schools, was aimed at increasing awareness about menstrual hygiene management, boosting the confidence of adolescent girls, and helping to eradicate stigma associated with menstruation.
As part of the programme, the Foundation distributed sanitary pads to all the girls in attendance to support them in managing their menstrual periods with dignity and confidence.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Wensah Foundation International, Mr. Isaac Osei Amponsah, urged the girls to regard menstruation as a normal and natural biological process and not feel ashamed or inferior because of it.
He advised them to remain confident and avoid any form of stigmatization associated with menstruation.
Mr. Amponsah also cautioned the girls against engaging in premarital sex in exchange for sanitary pads or other material benefits.
“Do not allow yourselves to be lured into sexual activities simply because you need sanitary pads. Premarital and unhealthy sexual relationships can derail your education and ruin your future aspirations,” he advised.
The CEO further called on the government and relevant stakeholders to improve sanitary facilities in basic schools, including the provision of changing rooms and other menstrual hygiene-friendly infrastructure, to enable girls to remain comfortable and focused on their studies during their menstrual periods.
Mrs. Felicia Konadu, Health Promotion Manager at the Sunyani Municipal Directorate of Health, educated the girls on proper menstrual health practices. She advised them to avoid the use of synthetic-made panties during menstruation, explaining that such materials could increase the risk of infections.
A lecturer at the Tanoso Community Nursing Training School, Madam Rebecca Addo, took participants through practical menstrual hygiene education and demonstrated the correct way of fixing sanitary pads in underwear to ensure comfort and prevent leakages during menstruation.
The Bono Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Madam Fati Kine-Lam, also addressed the gathering. She encouraged the girls to maintain proper personal hygiene during their menstrual periods and offered guidance on managing body odour.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Wensah Foundation International for the support and education received, describing the programme as timely and beneficial.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and to promote access to menstrual health resources for girls and women worldwide.
