The Green Youth Organization (GAYO), in partnership with Climate Action Africa and supported by the Canadian government, recently concluded an Youth Climate Leadership training session for trainers, focusing on leadership in menstrual health education.
The session was facilitated by Vincentia Koranteng, a technical expert from Future At Play, who shared her insights on dispelling common misconceptions surrounding menstrual health in Ghanaian communities.
Despite progress, misconceptions about menstruation remain deeply rooted in Ghanaian society. Many still believe that menstruation is a curse or punishment from God, and a pervasive stigma exists around the idea that menstrual blood is unclean.
These myths contribute to the shame and inadequate care that many menstruators experience, often leading to the exclusion of women and girls from activities such as cooking and swimming during their menstrual cycles.
During the training, Ms. Koranteng emphasized the importance of education and awareness in combating these myths. “We need to integrate comprehensive menstrual health education into school curricula at all levels,” she stated.
“Community workshops and partnerships with local leaders are essential to promote accurate information.”
Participants discussed various strategies to foster open conversations about menstrual health. Suggestions included utilizing local media to share stories and information, engaging men and boys in discussions, and establishing support groups for menstrual health dialogue.
Ms. Koranteng also highlighted the need for accessible menstrual products, particularly in rural areas, advocating for local, sustainable alternatives such as reusable pads. “By providing affordable products and ensuring access to healthcare services, we can create a more inclusive environment for all menstruators,” she added.
The discussion also extended to sexual health, with participants agreeing on the necessity of comprehensive sexuality education in schools. “Education is key to empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health,” remarked one participant. Proposed strategies included training teachers, establishing youth-friendly health services, and leveraging social media for awareness campaigns.
As GAYO continues its mission to improve climate change and health education among youth, the organization encourages community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders, including influencers and traditional authorities, to foster a supportive environment for open discussions on both menstrual and sexual health.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Portia Dogbe|Ghana
