There is the need for joint menstrual hygiene advocacy – Wendy Laryea

Television personality and ambassador for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), Wendy Laryea, has called for a nationwide joint advocacy on menstrual hygiene among girls.

According to her, menstrual hygiene management is a topic that is hardly discussed in Ghana. She added that sensitizing the public on menstrual hygiene management will minimize the stigmatization facing girls.

She made this disclosure during a workshop organized by the Ghana Education Service at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel.

“There needs to be a lot more information and advocacy when it comes to MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management). It (menstrual hygiene management) is not something which is always out there and we live in a country where we have myths and taboos surrounding menstruation”, she said.

She debunked the widely held perception that girls who menstruate are abnormal, adding that educating the populace on menstrual hygiene would help build the confidence of girls.

“With a lot of advocacy communities would realize that it is part of growth for a girl to menstruate. It is very normal. It is not abnormal. It is not a disease. The myths, the taboos, we need to do away with them. It will help build the confidence of girls”, she added.

Wendy admitted that being an ambassador for menstrual hygiene management has been an eye-opening experience since she has been able to interact with young pupils. She also partook in social media advocacy to help create awareness on menstrual hygiene management.

The MHM ambassador called on government and all stakeholders to assist in the sensitization of the general public, specifically societies riddled with myths and taboos.