The Ghana Reads Initiative has commemorated Menstrual Hygiene Day at Nanton in the Northern Region of Ghana with a sensitisation programme and donation of sanitary pads to female students.

Speaking at the event, the District Chief Executive for Nanton, Rosina Zenabu Abdul Rahman, disclosed that many girls who are unable to properly manage their menstrual hygiene often absent themselves from school.

According to her, some girls feel uncomfortable and embarrassed when they accidentally soil themselves during menstruation and fear being mocked by their colleagues.

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She further noted that some irresponsible men take advantage of vulnerable girls, which sometimes leads to a teenage pregnancy.

The DCE therefore commended the Ghana Reads Initiative for organising the sensitisation programme and supporting the government’s policy of distributing sanitary pads to students. She added that the district health directorate, which was present at the function, has been playing a major role in menstrual hygiene education and sensitisation across the district.

In addition, Madam Janet Adua, the District Director of Education for Nanton, stated that menstruation is a natural biological process, yet many girls continue to face challenges during their menstrual periods.

She expressed happiness about how male students actively participated in the celebration by asking and answering questions about menstruation, helping to reduce stigma surrounding the issue.

According to her, female students were also taken through practical lessons on menstrual hygiene management, and she believes the support provided will go a long way in helping the girls.

She explained that the initiative would help reduce absenteeism and improve participation in school to ensure that no student is left behind.

“As a District Education Directorate, we remain committed to working with all stakeholders, CSOs, parents, and community leaders to find lasting solutions to these challenges,” she said.

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In conclusion, the Director of the Ghana Reads Initiative, Paa Kwesi Koomson, explained why the organisation chose to celebrate the day in Nanton in the Northern Region.

According to him, most educational interventions are often centred in Accra, while other parts of the country are neglected, despite also needing support.

He noted that during their visit, it became evident that many students needed support in reading, which aligns with the organisation’s core vision of promoting literacy.

The team introduced and read together with students and guests a storybook titled “Abrefi’s Red Letter Day,” published by Adwinsa Publications, which educates children about menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

Koomson thanked Addwinsa Publications for sponsoring the initiative and supporting the programme.

The event was celebrated under the theme: “Menstruation is not a problem, but poor hygiene.”


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