Future Divine Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization, has advised vulnerable girls in Ghana never exchange sex for sanitary pads stating that it is dehumanizing.
Many young girls in impoverished areas in Ghana grapple with the inability to afford sanitary pads, exposing them to a cycle of discomfort, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, and compromised health.
The lack of access to these basic necessities often goes unnoticed, impacting the girls’ education as they miss school during their periods.
Research by the World Bank highlights the profound impact of inadequate menstrual hygiene practices, leading to serious health risks such as reproductive and urinary tract infections.
Left unaddressed, these issues may result in long-term infertility and birth complications.
In response to these challenges, the Future Divine Hope Foundation has made a significant donation of sanitary pads to Kpone Methodist School and Kokompe Haana K K Basic School.
The donation includes not only sanitary pads but also essential items such as tissue papers, Veronica buckets, and liquid soaps.
Madam Helena Akua Ahunya, the Director of the Foundation, emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts from institutions and stakeholders to ensure the hygiene and dignity of girls during their vulnerable moments.
She advises students not to exchange sex for sanitary pads, encouraging them to seek support from teachers and speak out about their challenges.
“No matter what you think about your state do not give in to the vices of this world on this country such as sex ,all because you need sanitary pad. they should go all out to their teachers ,Women in their area who can help them.The teachers are there for them.if menstrual hygiene is not handled well, it will affect your child’s reproductive system it can can give a lot of infections UTIs to these children.”
Helena Ahunya urged the government to remove taxes on sanitary pads and considers implementing a policy to provide free sanitary pads to young students.
“It is is very worrisome.Honestly these Girls go through a lot so many slums and deprived areas in Ghana,they have to miss school some have to give themselves to men because they need a sanitary pad .so when taxes are taken off the Sanitary pads it will go a long way to bring down the prices of it and these kids will afford.There should be a government should take a critically look at this kind of product they are very essential product for young girls so the taxes taken off”
Madam Carline Dodzi Iko, a key member of the Future Divine Hope Foundation, emphasizes the importance of parental guidance during students’ menstrual periods and underscores the significance of maintaining cleanliness.
Diana Abogvi, an Adolescent Health Focal Person for Kpone Polyclinic, provided critical advice to students on preventing infections during their menstrual cycles, stressing the need to take menstrual hygiene seriously.
Pastor Prince Israel, Managing Director of the Foundation, reaffirmed their commitment to reaching out to all vulnerable individuals in Ghana. He calls upon individuals, institutions, and stakeholders to support their mission.
School authorities and students express heartfelt gratitude to the foundation’s leadership for their benevolent gesture and appeal for continued support for the less privileged in the country.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
