Many girls, particularly those in rural communities, continue to miss school during their menstrual periods due to limited access to sanitary pads. This challenge often affects their academic performance, confidence and overall well-being, while exposing some young girls to stigma and other related difficulties.
In a bid to help address the situation and promote menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls, the Virtuous Boardroom, in collaboration with the Queen Mother of Edelesuazu, donated sanitary pads to female pupils of the Edelesuazu MA Basic School in Axim to commemorate this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The initiative was accompanied by menstrual hygiene education for both boys and girls, focusing on personal hygiene practices during menstruation and the importance of supporting young girls during their menstrual cycles.
Founder of Virtuous Boardroom, Yaa Amoako-Adu, said the organization has consistently undertaken similar interventions in schools since its establishment, with the aim of supporting girls to remain in school and pursue their education without interruption.
She explained that many girls are often forced to stay home during their menstrual periods because they cannot afford sanitary pads, stressing that the initiative was intended to help reduce absenteeism among female students.
“Most girls stay home during their menstrual cycle and we decided to do this to prevent them from staying home,” she emphasized.
Headmaster of Edelesuazu MA Basic School, Frank Quayson, expressed appreciation to the foundation and the Queen Mother for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
“On behalf of the school, I express our sincere gratitude for this support for our young ladies. We hope that other benevolent organizations will also extend similar gestures,” he said.
Public Health Nurse at the Axim Government Hospital, Ekua Otiwa Bediako, commended the inclusion of boys in the educational session, noting that educating the boy-child on menstruation is essential in reducing stigma against girls in schools.
“I was happy to see that the boys were included in this initiative. In many cases, boys tease their female colleagues during their menstrual periods because they do not understand what menstruation is about. I believe that if we continue to educate the boy-child on how the menstrual cycle works, it will help reduce the stigma and encourage them to provide the needed support girls require during their periods,” she advised.
One of the beneficiaries, Abigail, said the donation would greatly support her during her menstrual periods, revealing that her parents sometimes struggle to afford sanitary pads.
“I sometimes find it difficult during my period because my parents are unable to afford sanitary pads. This initiative is a great one and it will go a long way to support me during my period,” she shared.
The Virtuous Boardroom Foundation remains committed to supporting the education and empowerment of the girl-child while helping young women develop employable skills and improve their livelihoods.
Source: Hajia Fati Karim/Empire FM/Takoradi
