L’ELMIR AND PARTNERS DONATES 350 SANITARY PADS TO PUPILS TO COMMEMORATE WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY
The Ada West District Chief Executive, Hon. Modijifa Tanihu J.J.F Mills-Nkrumah has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to L’Elmir and Partners, a non-governmental organisation for donating three-hundred and fifty (350) packs of sanitary pads to young pupils in six schools in the district. He indicated that this invaluable gesture would contribute to shaping the future of young pupils within the Afiadenyigba circuit.
He joined the NGOs to educate young pupils on menstrual hygiene to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day in the district. He addressed participants gathered at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in the Afiadenyigba community. He added that this natural phenomenon is usually associated with stigma leading to loss of self confidence among young girls.
The programme was a joint partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, District Education Directorate and Non-Governmental Organisations; L’Elmir to the world, Anijie Global Foundation and Hello Period. Participants were young girls and boys selected from various schools across the circuit.
The World Menstrual Hygiene awareness creation focuses mainly on educating girls on combining menstrual health with uninterrupted education as well as providing hygienic sanitary pads to them. It is also aimed at encouraging open dialogue on this subject matter which is commonly regarded as a taboo among diverse ethnic groups.
This dialogue also created the platform to educate the male child on how to provide emotional support to the females in their lives to go through this crucial period, monthly. The programme addressed stigma challenges and loss of confidence most young girls face during this period. The crucial segment focused on educating and sensitizing boys about their roles in supporting girls during menstruation, was spearheaded by the Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr. Philip Dotse.
This years’ world menstrual hygiene was held under the theme: ‘Lets Embrace Periods Together- You Are Not Alone’. The DCE, speaking on the appropriateness of the theme to the subject matter, stated that it encourages “inclusiveness, empathy and unity” as menstruation has been “shrouded” in silence and secrecy. He noted that most young girls suffer in isolation and neglect as some people associate this natural phenomenon with shame, filth and rejection.
He mentioned that menstrual health, is not just a girls’ issue but a community issue. In the spirit of unity and solidarity, he called on all identifiable stakeholders; “parents, teachers, boys, men, religious leaders and policymakers” to break the stigma and treat menstruation as “normal and healthy” occurrence, and support young girls go through these days in dignity.
The founder of L’Elmir to the World, Sonia Barikisu Elmir, outlined the objective of the gathering. She stated that the event was not only to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day but also to send a strong message to girls that they are not alone and should not be ashamed of their periods. She emphasized that menstrual hygiene is not just a personal issue but a public health and health dignity concern. She said they were enthused to be associated with the young girls on menstrual health and hygiene.
The Guest Speaker, Madam Matilda Mahama, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the Social Welfare and Community Development Department, extended her support to L’Elmir and its partners for organizing such critical program. She stated that she was present not only to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day but also to encourage young girls to remain focused on their education. She advised the students especially the girls to abstain from sex and concentrate on their goals.
A key contributor to this dialogue, Dr Steven Aurthur, District Director of Education, expressed concern over the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy within the district. He reported that girls as young as 13 to 15years were getting pregnant. In some cases, students preparing to write their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) had become pregnant. He attributed this social menace, partly, to the absence of accurate sexual and reproductive health education. He added that events like this play a crucial role in empowering girls to make informed decisions. He encouraged the students to pay close attention, absorb the lessons and take responsibility for their lives for a brighter, future.
Also speaking to the subject matter, the Assembly member for Afiadenyigba Electoral Area, Hon. John Ofoe Akpakpavi, lauded the initiative and acknowledged its relevance to breaking the stigma associated with menstruation. He emphasized the need for the community to engage more, in such programs. He expressed hope that the program would empower girls and enlighten stakeholders and the broader society.
In his comprehensive and heartfelt speech, the DCE, expressed how proud he was to be part of the occasion. He recognized and appreciated the presence and efforts of the Regional Director of Social Welfare and Community Development as well as the NGOs. He expressed deep appreciation to L’Elmir and partners for choosing Ada West District as the focus of this impactful intervention.
He was particularly appreciative of the 350 sanitary pads donated to girls across six schools in the Afiadenyigba circuit. He disclosed that many girls within his district, miss school due to the non-availability of sanitary pads, absence of private and clean toilet facilities in schools and fear of being ridiculed.
The DCE emphasized the importance of including men and boys in the conversation. He spoke of the need to raise boys who support their sisters rather than mock them, and men who respect and protect rather than shame. He called upon teachers to make the classrooms safe spaces not just for learning academic subjects but also for promoting self-esteem and health.
Parents were also reminded to speak openly with their daughters and guide them with love and honesty. He called on the entire district to pledge to create an environment where menstruation can be discussed openly and respectfully; where every girl has access to the resources she needs to manage her period; and where no girl has to stay home from school because of her menstrual cycle. He left the young girls with the empowering reminder: “Period is not a problem. It is not a curse. It is a sign of strength, health, and the ability to bring life. Never be ashamed of it”.
The event included interactive engagements with students, question and answer session that allowed girls to express their concerns and receive answers. At the end of the program, sanitary pads were distributed, leaving many of the students feeling supported, informed, and uplifted.
Anijie Global Foundation and Hello Period educated the girls on menstrual taboos, debunked common myths and promoted open and informed conversations about menstruation.
This celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day in Ada West District stands as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against stigma, misinformation, and neglect surrounding menstrual health. The event fostered unity, education, and empowerment, sending a powerful message to every girl: You are not alone.
ISD – AWDA
28th May 2025