The Aburi Presbyterian Women’s College Alumni Association (APOWA) commemorated International Menstrual Hygiene Day with an educational forum aimed at empowering girls in basic schools within the Aburi municipality.
Held under the theme, “Together for Period Friendly World,” the event brought together students, health professionals, education officials, and College leadership to promote menstrual health awareness and hygiene education among adolescent girls.
Health personnel from the Municipal Health Directorate led interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene management, educating participants on the proper use of sanitary pads, personal hygiene practices during menstruation, and healthy dietary habits. The health officers also addressed and debunked several myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation that many young girls have grown up believing.
Recognizing the financial challenges some girls face in accessing disposable sanitary products, the facilitators also demonstrated safe and hygienic ways of using reusable cloth materials during menstruation. Discussions further covered the proper disposal of used sanitary pads and the responsible use of painkillers during menstrual cycles.
To reinforce the educational messages delivered at the forum, students of the Presbyterian Women’s College Demonstration Junior High School staged a drama performance highlighting issues of menstrual hygiene, stigma, and self-confidence among young girls.
Speaking at the event, the President of APOWA, Dr. Angela Affran, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education for supporting the initiative and creating a platform for impactful health education for young girls.
Officials from the Municipal Education Directorate and the Municipal Health Directorate were present at the programme. The event was chaired by the Principal of the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Dr. Mrs. Cynthia Anim, who commended the organizers for championing a cause that promotes dignity, health, and confidence among girls.
She encouraged the girls to remain focused on their education and not allow challenges associated with menstruation to affect their academic aspirations. Dr. Anim also urged the boys present to treat girls with respect and understanding, emphasizing that menstruation is a natural part of the growth and development process for every young woman. She called for greater empathy and support within schools to help eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with menstruation.
Staff of the Department of Social Welfare also took the students through a brief lesson Drug Abuse
APOWA presented sanitary pads to all the girls present also refreshed them.
The forum forms part of broader efforts by APOWA and its partners to contribute to a more informed, supportive, and menstrual-friendly society for girls across Ghana.