In a remarkable effort to support menstrual hygiene in deprived communities, the Obaasima Social Entrepreneurial Project (ObaasimaSEP) has distributed 2000 packs of sanitary pads through its Pad Up A Girl Initiative.
The donations targeted girls in the Ahanta West and Prestea Huni Valley Municipalities, to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day, under the theme #PeriodFriendlyWorld.
The event, held at the Essien Centre of Academic Excellence, attracted 123 attendees, including a significant 9% male participation, highlighting the importance of involving both genders in menstrual hygiene education. Madam Susie Odoom, a Midwife at Adjua CHPS Compound, conducted an informative session on the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads. Her practical guidance empowered the girls to manage their menstrual health confidently and with dignity.
During the event, over 1400 sanitary pads were distributed to more than 100 female students and teachers from Essien Centre of Academic Excellence and Adjua M/A Methodist School in the Ahanta West District of the Western region. While female students received dozens of pads, adult female (teachers) were provided with supplies sufficient to cater to their menstrual needs for the entire year. This initiative aligns with the group’s “Pad Up A Girl Initiative” to ensure the menstrual health and hygiene of young girls throughout the year.
John Asokomfo Afful, an official from Marie Stopes, commended the organizers for including male students in the educational session. He emphasized the importance of educating boys as advocates for challenging societal misconceptions and promoting gender equality. He encouraged students to seek professional guidance from nearby health facilities, stressing the collective responsibility in ensuring menstrual health and well-being.
Miss Rita Konduah, a pupil of Essien Centre of Academic Excellence, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation to ObaasimaSEP for addressing a crucial need. She shed light on the challenges faced by girls, particularly in boarding schools, where access to sanitary pads can be limited. The provision of 12 pads per girl alleviates the stress and discomfort associated with menstrual hygiene management, enabling them to concentrate on their studies uninterrupted.
Additionally, ObaasimaSEP distributed over 500 sanitary pads to girls at Abekoase/Tebe M/A School and Huniso/Pepesa M/A School in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality. This was in response to a distress call by Usman Suleman, a teacher and SHEP Coordinator, in the municipality. Usman Suleman indicated that, “Last year when Obaasima donated some packs of sanitary pad to the school, we distributed most of them to the girls and kept one pack for future distribution. However, it did not last for three months. When I enquired, I was informed by the office girl that she gave them out to her colleagues who requested for some during their period”. Madam Beatrice Ennin, a teacher and Assistant SHEP Coordinator also thanked Obaasima for the pads. We are happy they now have 12 packs of pads; which is enough to cater for their menstrual needs for a year. We are truly grateful. They do not have an option but to be present in school all year round”.
ObaasimaSEP is also set to distribute 100 sanitary pads to girls at Bieni R/C JHS in Akim Bieni in the Achaise District of the Eastern Region.
ObaasimaSEP and its #PadUpAGirl initiative is a member funded project with contributions from benevolent individuals. This initiative fosters a culture of openness and empowerment surrounding menstruation. By educating and equipping young girls with essential resources, ObaasimaSEP is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more inclusive future, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, and 6.
