Menstrual Hygiene Concerns Grow as Asutifi South Faces Sanitary Pad Shortage
Menstrual Hygiene Challenges Threaten Girls’ Education in Asutifi South – Girl Child Coordinator Raises Concern
The Girl Child Coordinator for the Asutifi South Education Directorate in the Ahafo Region, Faustina Xorla, has raised alarm over the negative impact of poor menstrual hygiene on the education of schoolgirls in the Seinchem Circuit.
Speaking to Adom News, Madam Xorla explained that many girls are compelled to use unsafe materials like cement paper, rags, and toilet rolls during their menstruation due to financial constraints that prevent their families from affording sanitary pads.
Her comments came during the presentation of 384 sanitary pads and 400 exercise books to students from seven junior high schools, an initiative spearheaded by the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asutifi South, Benjamin Assabil Donkor. The beneficiary schools include Manhyia, Sunkwa, Seinchem Islamic, Kwaku Nyumah, Adwumaye, Seinchem R/C, and Seinchem D/A JHS.
“These unhygienic methods not only endanger the health of young girls but also result in school absenteeism, which negatively affects their academic performance and self-confidence,” Madam Xorla stressed.
She praised the DCE for his intervention, describing the donation as a timely and impactful response to a long-standing issue faced by girls in the district.
In his address, DCE Benjamin Donkor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting girl-child education and promoting menstrual hygiene awareness.
“This initiative goes beyond just distributing pads. We are also educating the girls on proper menstrual hygiene to ensure a lasting impact,” he said. “This is now a permanent part of our agenda to improve the well-being of schoolgirls in Asutifi South.”
The initiative marks a significant step toward addressing menstrual poverty and ensuring that no girl misses school because of her period.
