For the third consecutive year, Yinson Production has partnered with the Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Health Service to provide essential menstrual hygiene training to 500 basic schoolgirls in the Ahanta West Municipality to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
This initiative, fully sponsored by Yinson, aims to equip young girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity.
The training programme, on the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly Ghana”which has become a part of Yinson’s community outreach efforts, addresses a critical need in the region. Many girls face challenges in managing their menstrual health due to lack of access to products, sanitation facilities, and education.
During the event, Edward Mensah, Yinson Production’s Local Content and CSR Manager emphasized the importance of this initiative. “At Yinson, we believe that education and health are the building blocks of a strong community. We are fully committed to this cause and are delighted to sponsor this programme, which aims to give young girls the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity.”
In addition to the training, Yinson provided each of the 500 girls with packs of sanitary pads, ensuring they have the necessary products to manage their menstrual health effectively. This gesture highlights Yinson’s commitment to supporting the well-being of these young girls.
The training sessions are designed to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, empowering girls to understand and manage their menstrual health as a natural and beautiful part of life. The programme also highlights the importance of menstrual hygiene education in schools, advocating for better access to sanitary products and facilities.
The Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service staff have played a crucial role in making this programme a reality. Their dedication and hard work have ensured that these young girls receive the necessary education and support, contributing to their overall development and empowerment.
Mr. Mensah also called on the community to support menstrual hygiene initiatives. “I urge each one of you to take this message to heart and become advocates for menstrual hygiene in your communities. Share the knowledge you gain here with your friends, family, and neighbors. Support initiatives that aim to improve menstrual health education and access to sanitary products. Together, we can break the stigma and ensure that every girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity and confidence.”
As Yinson Production continues to sponsor this vital programme the impact on the lives of these young girls is evident. The initiative not only improves their health but also contributes to their overall development and empowerment, paving the way for a more informed and equitable society.
George Effah, District Director of Education in an address read for him said the theme, is timely and a call to action for all stakeholders to build a society where menstruation is no longer a taboo, but a well-understood and respected aspect of human biology.
“Today, we seize the opportunity to heal centuries of stigma, misinformation, and silence surrounding menstruation by equipping our young girls with knowledge, dignity, and pride” he said.
Menstrual hygiene management he said, must be seen as a collective responsibility. It requires collaboration between governments civil society, traditional leadership, the private sector, and educational institutions.
“Together, we must promote mental health education in schools and communities to ensure access to affordable and eco-friendly sanitary products,
build and maintain girl-friendly washing facilities in schools and break the cultural taboos” he said.
Mrs. Janet Tenkorang Wiafe, Chairperson for the programme noted that a lot of girls stay home during their menstrual period due to lack of access to sanitary products and the fear of shame.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking these taboos. I pledge my unwavering support toward this cause. Let us stand together, work together, move forward towards a Ghana where every girl can embrace each other without fear” she added.
Madam Veronica Essuoun, a Nurse at the Ahanta West Municipal Health Directorate encouraged the girls to always carry extra pant which is padded so it could be used in case of menstruation.
“Know your menstrual cycle, the signs and symptoms so you can prepare yourself during menstruation” she advised.
Madam Essoun mentioned some of the symptoms such as lower back pain, headache, cramping, food craving and swing of mood adding that the symptom differ from one another.
In an interactive session, some of the girls shared their experiences during menstruation and were advised to ensure proper hygenic practices.
