RAKOD Foundation in collaboration with Linkages Africa, both Non-Governmental and Non-Profit making Organisations have taken their Menstrual Hygiene Project to Schools in the Volta Region.
The Project which is a routine educational exercise being undertaken by these organizations is their priority.
Volunteers from the two organizations visited the Awate Tormu Basic School, Awate-Agame BASIC, Awate-Todzi Basic, Anfoega Bume E.P Primary, Anfoega Bume D.A JHS and Agatanyigbe St. Joseph Basic where they took pupils through rigorous menstrual hygiene education.
In an interview with the Founder of RAKOD Foundation, Randy Danquah, he mentioned that Menstrual Hygiene must be prioritized among school children but unfortunately, due to lack of knowledge on menstruation preparedness and management or due to shyness and embarrassment the situation becomes worse for girls.
He said the project seeks to increase the knowledge and build the capacity of girls in good menstrual hygiene.
He called on stakeholders in the educational sector to ensure access to safe and affordable menstrual products.
According to him access to menstrual products is a major challenge for women and girls in rural communities especially, and that affects the education of the girl child.
Randy Danquah said schools often lack the supplies and sanitation facilities girls need for managing their periods and that girl without adequate health care may feel discomfort or pain and said, “Shame, stigma and misinformation may discourage girls from attending school while menstruating and prevent schools from teaching healthy attitudes about menstruation. Many girls stay home to avoid being teased.”
On her part, Director of Linkages Africa, Bernice Worlali Kunutsor also indicated that lack of menstrual knowledge, poor access to sanitary products and a non-facilitating school environment can make it difficult for girls to attend school and that government and other stakeholders must put in place interventions to reduce the burden of menstruation for school girls.
She mentioned that NGOs like them must identify challenges related to menstruation, and be able to get facilitators who will engage school children boy boys and girls on the topic.
By PROSPER AGBENYEGA