The Umbrella for the African Child (UTAC) in collaboration with Akua Kids Foundation has initiated a comprehensive menstrual health awareness campaign in two Junior High Schools in the East Mamprusi District of the North East Region. It forms part of efforts to tackle stigma and create awareness on menstrual health among basic school pupils in the rural areas.
The lack of awareness and the perpetuation of myths and taboos surrounding menstruation have left countless young girls ill-prepared and ashamed to deal with this natural bodily function. As a result, many girls, especially in the rural communities, usually miss school during their periods, leading to gaps in their education and future opportunities.
Recognizing the pressing need to address this issue, Umbrella for the African Child, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the well-being of African children, took the lead in collaborating with Akua Kids Foundation, local schools, and health experts to launch the “Menstrual Health Awareness” campaign in the East Mamprusi District.
Speaking to the media, the Founder and Project coordinator of Umbrella for the African Child, Samuel Kwame Mensah emphasised the importance of this initiative, saying, “We believe that education and awareness are key to empowering young girls and boys to embrace menstruation as a natural part of life. By eliminating the stigma surrounding it, we can ensure that girls do not miss school during their periods and have equal access to education.”
He added that the initiative also is to lead parents, teachers, and community leaders to recognize their role in creating a supportive environment for young girls.
“By involving the community, we want to break down long-standing barriers and foster open conversations about menstruation not only among the girl-child but the boys.”
The campaign unfolded over a series of seminars to inform both young girls and boys about menstruation and its associated challenges as well as provided them with accurate information about menstrual hygiene, the importance of proper sanitation, and debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. The initiative also resulted in the provision of sanitary pads for 120 females, covering a span of three months.
Mr. Mensah noted that the success of the campaign in the region served as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in addressing critical issues affecting young people.
“We hope to continue to spread across the continent initiatives like this, that will ultimately enable every African child to embrace their natural bodily functions without fear or shame. As menstrual health awareness gains momentum in Africa, it is anticipated that more young girls will be empowered to pursue their education and dreams, free from the limitations imposed by societal taboos. The work of Umbrella for the African Child and its partners is a significant step toward a brighter and more equitable future for African girls.”
The project is supported by Reign Child Organization, Rosarit Foundation, and Mills Star Foundation.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
