The Ghana Reads Initiative has successfully organised a sensitisation campaign aimed at educating and empowering young boys and girls on the significance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The event, held on Friday, served as a platform to foster awareness and encourage open conversations about menstrual hygiene management among Ghana’s youth.

Under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Shaping Futures,” the Ghana Reads Initiative gathered about 200 young pupils from seven different schools for an interactive and informative session.

The programme sought to debunk myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation while highlighting the importance of proper menstrual hygiene practices for the overall well-being and empowerment of young girls.

Speaking at the event, the National Director of GRI, Sandra Yeboah, emphasised the need to address the challenges faced by young girls in managing their menstrual health.

She stated, “Menstrual hygiene management is not just a matter of health but also of dignity and equality. It is crucial to equip both girls and boys with accurate knowledge and promote an inclusive environment that supports menstrual health.”

The initiative included a series of engaging activities, such as group discussions, presentations, and practical demonstrations, to educate participants on menstrual hygiene.

Experts in the field delivered informative talks on topics ranging from menstrual health and hygiene practices to addressing menstrual-related challenges faced by young girls.

A midwife, Elizabeth Ofosua Dankwa spoke to the participants at length about menstrual hygiene.

She said, “menstruation is something you’re not supposed to be afraid of, it is part of the biological formation of a woman.”

Considering the financial difficulty among a section of Ghanaians, the nurse pleaded with government to reduce taxes on sanitary products to make affordable to all and sundry,

A consultant for the Ga Mantse Foundation, Naa Kwaale Dove, advised young ladies to abstain from sex until marriage.

“Sex is for married couples, if you know you are not married, don’t engage in the act,” she admolished.

A representative from the Ghana Book Development Council, Daniel Ofosu-Asamoah on his part highlighted the importance of reading in menstrual education.

He indicated that reading brings about enlightenment, thereby, dispelling myths that surround it.

The event also distributed educational materials and hygiene kits to participants, ensuring they had access to essential resources for maintaining proper menstrual hygiene.

A highlight of the event was the participation of young boys, as the Ghana Reads Initiative aimed to foster a sense of responsibility and empathy among boys towards menstrual health.

The organisation believes that involving boys in conversations about menstruation helps break down taboos and promotes gender equality by eradicating misconceptions and prejudices.

The initiative’s efforts to sensitise young boys and girls about menstrual hygiene management align with the global objective of World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Celebrated annually on May 28, the day aims to break the silence and raise awareness about menstrual hygiene challenges faced by millions of women and girls worldwide.

The Ghana Reads Initiative has been at the forefront of promoting literacy and education in Ghana. By incorporating menstrual hygiene education into their programmes, it is taking a comprehensive approach to empower young boys and girls and contribute to the overall development of Ghana’s youth.

The successful sensitisation campaign organized by the Ghana Reads Initiative marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive society.

By promoting open dialogue and empowering young boys and girls with knowledge, Ghana is taking a significant step forward in normalising conversations around menstrual hygiene and creating a brighter future for its youth.