Kpone: Planting People Growing Justice (PPGJ), a United States-based non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Health Directorate, has commemorated this year's World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Kpone with a call for stronger community support and inclusive awareness on menstrual health.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, themed 'Together for a Period Friendly Ghana', gathered students, health officials, community stakeholders, and the assembly member for the area. The initiative aimed to educate participants and address misconceptions surrounding menstruation while promoting dignity and support for girls.
Mr Felix Larbie Appiah, Ghana Country Director of Planting People Growing Justice, emphasized that menstruation should not hinder any girl's access to education. He reiterated the organisation's commitment to improving literacy and educational opportunities within their operational communities, highlighting the close link between menstrual health and education.
Mr Appiah noted that Kpone had consistently engaged in campaigns to promote menstrual hygiene and awareness within communities. He stressed the NGO's readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish pad banks in selected communities within the municipality, ensuring girls have access to sanitary products. He called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to prevent discrimination or stigmatization against girls undergoing these natural life changes, advocating for an environment where young girls can confidently manage their menstrual health.
Mrs Henrietta Agyeiwaa Gyebi, Kpone-Katamanso Adolescent Health Coordinator, highlighted the need for increased public education to dispel misconceptions about menstruation. She explained that myths and negative perceptions continued to impact the confidence and wellbeing of young girls. Mrs Gyebi urged communities to adopt open conversations to eliminate the stigma associated with menstruation, stressing that proper menstrual education significantly contributes to the health and development of adolescent girls.
Mrs Edna Packu, Kpone-Katamanso Social Welfare Officer and Chairperson for the event, expressed appreciation for the organisers and stakeholders' support. She commended their collaborative efforts to promote menstrual health and assured participants of her commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the wellbeing and dignity of girls. Mrs Packu emphasized that promoting menstrual hygiene is a shared responsibility and called for sustained efforts to ensure girls have access to necessary support systems within their communities.
The programme included educational engagements and interactions with students focusing on menstrual hygiene management and related health concerns.