Ghana Education Service (GES), in collaboration with UNICEF, has released a research report on the dissemination of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Accra.
The occasion also saw the launch of educational materials on MHM.
In 2014, Ghana was selected from 14 countries to participate in a research on advocacy and capacity building on MHM through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiative in schools.
The aim was to bring to bear the challenges girls go through during menstruation.
In view of this, Mr David Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of WASH, UNICEF, briefed the media on how excited his outfit was in participating in the research on menstrual hygiene.
He said, “Girls all over the world, especially in rural Ghana, find it very challenging in managing their menstrual cycle and this has been attributed to a lot of factors, hence the launch of this report by GES is very timely.”
The research was conducted in North Dayi and Zabzugu, which are both rural districts in Ghana.
The aim of the research was to understand the relationship between school girls under the WASH programme and school girls who are not it. It also sought to bring out the challenges they go through during their menstrual cycle and find lasting solutions.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Edward Nanbigne, IAS, University of Ghana, Legon gave highlights of the MHM research. He touched on the sources, challenges and recommendations of the research.
He said, “The challenges girls in rural communities face are numerous and the most disturbing is the fact that they rely on rags and toilet rolls during their period. This can be attributed to the high level of poverty in these deprived areas.
”
Mr Nanbigne, in his recommendations, pleaded with religious leaders to have more knowledge of menstrual hygiene management, which, if taken at heart, will make girls feel much more accepted.
Mr Hyung Joon Kim, of UNICEF, presented the MHM basic package (communication materials), which included the concepts and slogan ‘Be Amazing Period’.
UNICEF also launched the official website for menstrual hygiene which is www. menstrual hygienegh.org.
Some ambassadors of MHM, including Shamima Muslim and Wendy Laryea, both broadcast journalists, were present to share their real life experiences on menstrual hygiene.