On May 29th, 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development of the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly, in partnership with the Municipal Education Directorate, took a vital step toward ending the stigma surrounding menstruation by hosting an awareness session for the young girls of Nsawam Presby M/A Primary and Junior High School.
The program followed Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global event celebrated on May 28th to raise awareness about menstrual health. During the session, the school’s assembly hall buzzed with the voices of health experts, social workers, and community leaders who spoke openly and honestly about a topic often shrouded in secrecy, menstruation. They emphasized that menstruation is a natural biological process and that it is normal for women and girls to experience monthly periods.
“Menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of,” a speaker at the event explained. “It’s a sign of health, not something dirty or impure.” The goal was clear to help young girls understand that menstruation is not something to hide or be embarrassed about, but rather a normal part of life that needs proper management.
Health professionals explained the basics of the female reproductive system, helping the girls understand what menstruation is and why it happens. They provided practical demonstrations on how to use sanitary pads correctly, from wearing and removing them to disposing of them safely. The students were also taught the importance of changing pads regularly to prevent discomfort, odor, and infection, and to always wash their hands before and after handling sanitary products.
The event didn’t just focus on practical tips, it also aimed to break down myths and taboos that often surround menstruation. “If we keep quiet about it, the shame and misconceptions will continue,” said an officer from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (DSWCD). The speakers emphasized that no girl should miss school or feel excluded because of her period. Instead, they highlighted the need for safe, private facilities, clean water, and access to hygienic products to support girls in managing their periods with dignity.
Officers from the DSWCD pointed out the far-reaching impact of menstrual hygiene management on the lives of girls and women. “When girls can manage their menstruation properly, they stay in school, feel more confident, and are empowered to participate fully in all aspects of life,” an officer said. The lack of menstrual hygiene can cause social stigma, impact mental health, and limit educational and economic opportunities for young women.
To help support the girls, the DSWCD officers donated sanitary pads to the school, ensuring that every girl has the resources she needs to manage her period safely. “This is just one small step,” an officer noted, “but it’s a step toward making sure no girl has to feel embarrassed or miss out on life because of her period.”
The event marks an important move toward normalizing conversations about menstruation in Nsawam Adoagyiri and ensuring that all girls grow up feeling empowered and proud of their bodies.
