Menstruation is a natural and essential aspect of a woman's life, yet it remains a subject of concern in many societies. In celebrating this year's Menstruation Day, I had the privilege of engaging with young girls in Chama Junior High School (JHS) in the central Gonja District. It was disheartening to discover that despite the progress we have made in various fields, many young girls still lack access to basic hygienic practices during menstruation. Some of them are forced to resort to using pieces of cloth and papers, jeopardizing their health and well-being. This write-up aims to shed light on the importance of menstrual hygiene and advocate for better support and resources to empower these young girls.
The Importance of Menstrual Hygiene:
Menstrual hygiene is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of girls and women. Proper hygiene practices during menstruation reduce the risk of infections, discomfort, and social isolation. Educating young girls about menstrual hygiene helps break the stigma surrounding menstruation and fosters a healthy attitude towards this natural bodily process.
During my interactions with the girls at Chama JHS, I discovered some of the challenges they face when it comes to menstrual hygiene:
a) Lack of Awareness: Many girls lacked sufficient knowledge about menstruation and its management, which often resulted in confusion and anxiety.
b) Inadequate Resources: The lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products forced some girls to use unsanitary alternatives like cloth and paper, leading to health risks.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including the community, educational institutions, and policymakers. Here are some suggested steps to empower young girls for better menstrual hygiene:
a) Comprehensive Menstrual Education: Implement age-appropriate and comprehensive menstrual education programs in schools to equip girls with accurate information about menstruation, its management, and the importance of hygiene.
b) Access to Menstrual Products: Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, or NGOs to provide affordable and accessible menstrual products to girls in need. Again, the need for tax free on sanitary pads so our young ladies can afford to buy it. I suggest to @GEMGHANA to have an educational program to enlighten our young ladies
c) Safe and Private Sanitation Facilities: Improve the sanitation facilities in schools and public spaces to ensure that girls have a safe and private space to manage their menstruation.
d) Involvement of Parents and Guardians: Engage parents and guardians in discussions about menstrual hygiene to create a supportive and understanding environment for the girls at home.
The celebration of Menstruation Day served as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in ensuring that young girls have access to proper menstrual hygiene resources and education. By empowering them with knowledge and support, we can help these girls embrace their womanhood with confidence and dignity. Together, let us strive to create a world where menstruation is not a barrier to education, health, and happiness. Only through collective efforts can we break the challenges and create a more inclusive and hygienic society for all.
Lukman Aliu