GAYO, CAMFED raise concern over period poverty in Upper East Region
GAYO and CAMFED push for menstrual health education and call for collective action to end stigma and school absenteeism among girls
GThe Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) and CAMFED Association have reiterated that period poverty is real and menstruation should not be treated as a sickness or a source of shame in society.
Speaking during a public sensitization discussion on menstrual health on Mike FM on Saturday, May 23, representatives of the two organizations highlighted the challenges many girls and women face during menstruation, particularly in low-resource communities.
The lack of access to menstrual products, safe sanitation, clean water, menstrual health education, and healthcare needed to manage menstruation safely and with dignity commonly refered to as period poverty remains a key concern for the girl child.
Bia-Naah Awolana Adeline, a teacher and CAMFED associate, explained that many young girls are unable to afford sanitary products, forcing some to miss school and endure health and emotional difficulties during their periods.
“Females often experience cramps, headaches, fatigue, back pain, and heavy bleeding during menstruation, which can affect their school attendance, work, and daily activities.” She said.
Awolana further stressed that many girls also deal with emotional stress, social stigma, and inadequate sanitation facilities, especially in deprived communities.
Also speaking on the program, Jennifer Anapoka Agamolga, a nurse and representative of GAYO, lamented about how period poverty continues to affect the education, confidence, and wellbeing of girls.
“Many girls miss school because they lack sanitary products, access to clean toilets, or feel embarrassed during menstruation, ultimately affecting their academic performance.”
According to her, the stigma surrounding menstruation also lowers the confidence of girls, making them less likely to actively participate in class and social activities.
Community Engagement Officer at GAYO, Khadijah Azumah Braimah, revealed that the organization’s Water for Adaptation Project is currently undertaking a Menstrual Hygiene Month campaign across the Upper East Region.
She disclosed that the first campaign was held at Denugu, a farming community in the Garu District, where more than 350 men, women, and children participated in a community dialogue on menstrual health.
The second outreach, she said, took place at Logre Primary and Junior High School as part of efforts to increase awareness and break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Khadijah further announced that a Menstrual Hygiene Day Conference is expected to take place at University of Technology and Applied Sciences campus to enhance the knowledge of females on menstruation.
The conference is expected to bring together stakeholders from the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, lecturers, students, and development partners to discuss menstrual hygiene management and the fight against period poverty.
The organizations called on men, boys, and society at large to support women and girls during menstruation and help end stigma associated with periods.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
