In spite of increasing global awareness and the importance of good menstrual hygiene, girls in rural communities continued to struggle for knowledge and methods of handling menstruation.
The socio-cultural barriers, such as the myths and stigma associated with menstruation, also served as challenges confronting girls in such communities, especially those in Northern Ghana.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), as part of its awareness creation, and commitment to ending such barriers, has called on parents, opinion leaders, and policymakers to ensure that women and girls have equitable access to safe menstrual hygiene products and knowledge on the best practices.
The organisation with the hashtag “#WeAreCommitted”, has begun creating global awareness among individuals, organisations, and partners to publicly declare their commitment to ending the barriers where girls will no longer hold back of any kind because of menstruation by 2030.
Speaking to women and girls at the Gbeogo School for the Deaf in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region as part of promoting the cause, the Head of Operations at the organisation, Wilfred Haruna, indicated that they will continue to increase awareness about the challenges and barriers regarding access to menstrual products, education, and menstrual-friendly sanitation facilities.
“CRS holds dear the welfare of girls and women due to the important roles they play in our lives and societies. By this, we are reminded of our great responsibility to make the call and lead in changing the status quo, beginning with parents at home, community leaders, health personnel, educationists, and policymakers to ensure women and girls have equitable access to safe menstrual hygiene, products, and knowledge on the best practices.”
He added that the commitment will also have to emphasise educating boys, men, and teachers at the school level to help break such negative social norms associated with menstruation.
“Our schools and homes must endeavour to promote education on menstrual hygiene among boys, men, teachers, and other professionals to help break such negatives. Aside that, the needed education on menstrual hygiene ought to be provided so that women and girls can feel confident and empowered to make informed decisions about how they can manage their menstruation.”
Catholic Relief Services is a nonprofit organisation that aims to improve food security and the quality of life of poor families in rural and semi-urban areas of Ghana.
It used the event to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day, which fell on Sunday, May 28, 2023. CRS gave out items to girls in some basic schools, orphanages, and individuals.
Various participants who were at the event also assured of their commitment to ending the negative barriers associated with menstruation in societies.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
