The Senior Girls’ Prefect of St. John’s Junior High School in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Alenyorege Rhoda Ayinsum, has made a passionate appeal to philanthropists and organizations not to neglect urban school students when it comes to resource distribution.
She made the appeal at a durbar organized by the school on May 28th, 2024, to commemorate World Menstrual Health Day. The St. John’s JHS Girls’ Prefect, Ms. Rhoda Ayinsum, said the distribution of sanitary pads on this day and any ordinary day hardly considers urban schools and communities.
In her speech, the Senior Girls’ Prefect highlighted the challenges faced by many girls in urban areas who lack access to sanitary pads, forcing them to miss school during their menstrual periods, hence the need for philanthropists not to overlook them in their donations.
“Contrary to the assumption that urban areas are immune to the challenges of poverty, many of us come from families struggling to make ends meet, where access to sanitary pads is often a financial strain and a source of deep concern.”
“As we celebrate World Menstrual Health Day, we respectfully urge you, our respected philanthropists, to consider the urgent needs of individuals in cities and towns. Menstrual hygiene is not a luxury exclusive to rural areas; it is a fundamental challenge faced by countless individuals, regardless of their geographical location or social standing.”
“With this in mind, we implore you to recognize and respond to the pressing need for the distribution of sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene products in urban communities.”
Assistant Headmistress and the girl child coordinator at St. John’s Junior High School, Amonzem Mary-Emmanuelle, stated that the school management deems it necessary to organize an event on World Menstrual Health Day in the school to educate the students more about menstrual hygiene.
According to Mrs. Amonzem, the day also offers an opportunity for management to provide mentorship sessions for their school.
Meanwhile, boys at St. John’s Junior High School, in their statement, pledged to support their female colleagues during their menstrual periods and not stigmatize them when they are on their periods.
“On this World Menstrual Day, we want to express our deep appreciation for your resilience and strength as you navigate through this natural part of life. We recognize the need for empathy and support, and we want you to know that we are committed to creating an environment where you feel comfortable and cared for during your menstrual cycle.”
“We understand that menstrual health is not just a girls’ issue but a collective concern. We affirm our commitment to being understanding and compassionate towards your experiences. Our aim is to contribute to an environment where no girl feels ashamed or undervalued due to her menstrual cycle.”
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|David Azure|Bolgatanga|
It is a collective concern. We the men are all in it.