Abidjan: Plan International Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing menstrual health and hygiene management (MHHM) and promoting the rights, dignity, and well-being of girls and women across the country. Mr. Mathias Gangana, Southern Programme Influencing and Impact Area Manager of Plan International Ghana, highlighted the organisation's interventions over the past decade that have addressed menstrual poverty, challenged harmful social norms, and created enabling environments for girls to thrive.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Gangana was speaking at the UHAS, RGHI Project Dissemination Forum held at the Fred N. Binka School of Public Health on the Hohoe Campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). As an organisation dedicated to children's rights and gender equality, particularly for girls, Plan International Ghana has implemented transformative interventions that have significantly improved menstrual health outcomes nationwide.
Through comprehensive menstrual health education programmes, the organisation has reached girls, boys, parents, teachers, and community members, increasing awareness and reducing the stigma associated with menstruation. Thousands of vulnerable girls have been empowered to manage menstruation with dignity and confidence through the provision of sanitary pads, reusable menstrual products, and the establishment of pad banks in schools, including special schools and some tertiary institutions.
These interventions have contributed to improved school attendance and greater participation in academic activities among girls. Plan International Ghana has also strengthened Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services through the installation and rehabilitation of handwashing facilities, the provision of clean water and soap, and the construction of gender-responsive, inclusive, and disability-friendly sanitation facilities. These investments have improved privacy, safety, and comfort for girls while promoting healthy hygiene practices in schools and communities.
Recognising that menstrual health is a shared responsibility, Mr. Gangana stated that the organisation has actively engaged men and boys through initiatives such as the 'Real Fathers' campaign to foster understanding and support for girls and women. Advocacy and community sensitisation programmes have also contributed to reducing discrimination, challenging harmful gender norms, and advancing gender equality.
The interventions have yielded significant outcomes, including increased knowledge and awareness of menstrual health, improved access to menstrual hygiene products, enhanced school attendance and academic participation among girls, strengthened hygiene practices, increased male involvement, and stronger community ownership of menstrual health initiatives.
As the organisation reflects on these achievements, Mr. Gangana expressed solidarity with all partners, lecturers, teachers, community leaders, parents, girls, and young people who have contributed and continue to support this important journey. He reaffirmed Plan International Ghana's commitment to sustaining efforts that would ensure every girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.
'Together, let us build a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where no girl is left behind simply because of her period,' he concluded.