Yinson Ghana, in partnership with the Ahanta West Municipal Directorate of Education in the Western Region, recently hosted its second annual training session on period poverty. The aim of this initiative is to tackle the critical issues that affect numerous women and girls during menstruation.
More than 500 students from 81 schools in the municipality took part in the program, with each receiving two packs of sanitary pads, a significant improvement from last year’s one girl one pad initiative. The training covered key topics such as menstrual hygiene practices and management, different types of sanitary pads and their proper use, and maintaining good personal hygiene during menstruation.
The focus of the program was also on breaking the taboos surrounding menstruation. Yinson Ghana’s overarching goal is to address the challenges associated with menstruation and combat period poverty directly, empowering young women to concentrate on their education.
Edward Mensah, the Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator of Yinson Ghana, highlighted the widespread nature of period poverty, emphasizing that women often face discrimination and ill-treatment because of this natural biological process. In areas with extreme poverty and deep-rooted cultural beliefs, the lack of access to essential products like sanitary pads worsens gender inequality and negatively impacts women’s well-being.
The event carried the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly Ghana,” urging stakeholders to support policies that promote menstrual health education in schools, ensure access to affordable menstrual products, and eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation. George Effah, the Ahanta West Municipal Director of Education, emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene not only for health but also for dignity and human rights.
Effah also stressed the broader health implications of menstrual hygiene, noting that when girls and women have access to safe and affordable sanitary materials, they reduce their risk of infection, which can have positive effects on overall sexual and reproductive health.
Representatives from the Ghana Health Service provided practical guidance to students on maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation. The students themselves used engaging educational dramas to demystify menstruation and dispel myths and taboos, creating a safe space for open dialogue and breaking down barriers related to period poverty.
The collaborative efforts of Yinson Ghana and the Ahanta West Municipal Directorate of Education showcase how collective action can significantly enhance menstrual health and education, creating a more equitable and supportive environment for all.
