In a statement copied to this website, the Upper East Regional Women Organizer for the New Patriotic Party, Madam Georgina Ayamba, stated that there is no evidence that supports earlier comments made by Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Today Foundation, Miss Rita Etornam Sey, that suggested that due to poverty, girls in the northern half of the country, use clay as a substitute for sanitary pads.
“Since the story broke, we have taken the pain to conduct an extensive research and on-the-ground initiatives; we have found no credible evidence to support the assertion that girl from northern Ghana resort to using clay as an alternative to sanitary pads. This claim not only lacks factual basis but also perpetuates stereotypes and engenders negative perceptions about us from the north. Ms Etonam’s comments are condemnable and not deserving of an advocate. Samemustbe said of the networks that granted her the space to spew such untruths,” portions of the statement read.
Madam Ayamba explained that while there are serious concerns around menstrual hygiene and period poverty, the situation in northern Ghana must be represented appropriately.
“In response to recent remarks made by a Menstrual Hygiene Advocate, Rita Etornam Sey, on 3FM and subsequently on GTV, we would like to clarify and dismiss the inaccurate claims suggesting that girls from northern Ghana use clay as a substitute for sanitary pads. In the two separate interviews, Ms. Etornam stated, “I tell myself I have seen poverty until I went to the North, where the girls use clay as substitute for sanitary pads.” The regional women’s wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would always want to promote accurate information and dispel myths on the empowerment of women and the girl child, and menstrual hygiene practices are no exception as Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate 2023 International Menstrual Hygiene Day’. Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women’s health and well-being, and it is imperative that discussions around this topic are based on accurate and reliable information. Unfortunately, the claim made by the Menstrual Hygiene Advocate lacks substantiated evidence and has been met with justifiable criticism.”
“While we call on Ms. Etornam to redeem herself by offering some clarity to her statement, we wish to lend our voice in advocating for evidence-based approaches that empower girls and women,promote access to safe and affordable menstrual products, and encourage the adoption of sustainable menstrual hygiene management practices. We invite individuals, organisations, and the general public to engage in constructive conversations about menstrual hygiene. By promoting accurate information and combating misconceptions, we can work towards achieving a society where every woman and girl can manage their menstruation with dignity, comfort, and confidence.”
Read full statement here: CLARIFYING MISINFORMATION: DISMISSING THE INACCURATE CLAIM ABOUT CLAY SUBSTITUTES FOR SANITARY PADS AND NDC’s UNDUE POLITICAL ADVANTAGE
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
