Afrika Nyornu, an NGO focused on menstrual health promotion, says it is targeting to train one thousand school girls in menstrual hygiene management in 2024, to help improve the menstrual hygiene of young girls across Ghana, and to reduce girls’ absenteeism in schools during their menstruation period.

In addition, the organisation says it aims to supply free sanitary pads to these beneficiaries to help alleviate the issue of inaccessibility to these pads by girls who are less fortunate to afford them.

This was made known at the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 celebration in Mawuli School in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region.

It was marked on the theme "Together for a Period-Friendly World", and brought representatives from 17 schools to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene.

According to the founder and Executive Director of Afrika Nyornu, Mrs Gifty Maloe Nartey, the organisation remains dedicated to its mission of promoting menstrual health, since they have been inspired by the support and engagement shown by the community.

“Together, we are building a period-friendly world where every girl has access to the resources and education she needs to thrive. By coming together, we are taking crucial steps toward breaking the stigma associated with menstruation and ensuring that every girl can manage her period with dignity and confidence,” she said while delivering a speech at the gathering.

She also provided invaluable insights into the effective management of menstrual health and debunked many myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.

The Deputy Municipal Director of Education for Ho, Cynthia Ayim, who played an integral role in inspiring the young participants, emphasised the need for confidence and openness regarding menstruation, stating, “Together, we can break the silence by telling the world that menstruation is a natural biological process yet it is often surrounded by stigma and silence. Talking about it openly can break the misconception, reduce shame, and build a supportive community where every girl feels supported and comfortable seeking help and advice”.

The Country Manager for Indus Life Sciences, Mr Prem Kumar explained that vitamins and iron are important for young girls of reproductive age. He highlighted how essential nutrients contribute to the overall well-being of young girls, helping them manage the physical demands of menstruation.

All participants received period boxes containing a disposable sanitary pad which will last for two years, a reusable sanitary pad, Paracetamol tablets, Zincovit tablets, and MIKSI products.

Mrs Gifty Maloe Nartey said the success of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 in Ho Municipality is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved, particularly the generous sponsors.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Indus Life Sciences Limited for their significant contributions, including the donation of 15,000 pieces of Zincovit multivitamins.

“Additionally, RICHDAD Investment donated 1,500 pieces of Richcare sanitary pads, and Evivi Foods provided meals for all participants with their premium Evivi Long Grain Rice and Evivi Chicken.

Every participant also received MIKSI products from Promasidor Ghana, and Voltic Ghana kept everyone refreshed with water.

“We are deeply thankful to all individual donors for their support,” she mentioned.