By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Initiative For Community Development And Empowerment
The Rotary Club of Accra Legon East organized a menstrual hygiene campaign dubbed "Pad a Girl." The event was in partnership with the Rotary Club of Accra-Adjiringanor, the Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City, and the Rotaract Club of Accra-East aimed to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene among school pupils and provide them with essential sanitary pads.
The beneficiary schools are Abume D.A Primary, VRA Kyease Primary, VRA DA RC Primary, VRA Church Ridge Primary, VRA Presby Basic, RC Basic, Methodist Basic, and Kokono DA Primary School all in Akosombo.
Held at VRA Kyease Primary Cluster of Schools in Akosombo, the event saw Rotarians and educators, come together to educate young girls about proper menstrual hygiene practices. This initiative is part of the club's ongoing efforts to support girls and provide them with the necessary tools to effectively manage their health and education.
During the event, speakers and educators delivered engaging presentations on menstrual hygiene to the school pupils. These presentations covered various topics like the importance of proper hygiene during menstruation, dispelling common myths and misconceptions, and promoting open conversations about the topic.
Additionally, the club distributed free sanitary pads to the girls, ensuring that they have access to essential menstrual hygiene products which will last for about five (5) months. This act aimed to alleviate any financial burden or accessibility issues that girls may face in procuring sanitary pads, which could affect their ability to attend school regularly.
Point of View By President of Rotary Club of Accra Legon East
The President of the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East, Rotarian Joana Amoako expressed her satisfaction with the event. She highlighted the significance of empowering young girls by teaching them about menstrual hygiene and equipping them with the necessary resources.
Rotarian President Joana Amoako reiterated the club's commitment to supporting the girl child. She emphasized the importance of continued education and engagement on this topic.
She said “Menstruation is a normal biological process that marks the beginning of the reproductive age in a girl's life with a monthly cycle. Therefore, the importance of promoting hygiene during menstruation to prevent infections such as urinary tract infections, which can lead to infertility later in life cannot be overemphasized”.
Rotarian President Joana Amoako was unhappy about the lack of affordability of sanitary pads for women “Unfortunately, millions of women and girls lack access to menstrual hygiene facilities, safe and clean menstrual management materials, such as disposable sanitary pads, tampons, reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups and clean cloth”.
She called for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads “Statistics have also indicated that period poverty leads to girls missing as much as 20% of the school year in Sub-Saharan Africa, with some girls dropping out of school altogether. As a result, we add our voice to the call of civil society players and individuals for the exclusion of taxes on sanitary pads to end period poverty.
New Possibilities by Rotary Club of Accra Legon East
Rotarian Joana Amoako concluded her speech by reiterating her club's commitment to supporting worthy causes, “In support of efforts to end period poverty and the stigma surrounding menstruation, we Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East, Accra Adjiringanor, Akosombo-Dam City and Rotaract club of Accra East who are people of action make a presentation of pads to the girls of VRA Kyease Cluster of Schools. This gesture is in line with two of Rotary’s areas of focus which are maternal and child health and disease prevention and treatment".
Reaction From Stakeholders
The "Pad a Girl" event received positive feedback from the school administration, Circuit supervisors, and teachers who appreciated the Rotary Club's dedication to the welfare of young girls. They expressed gratitude for the education on menstrual hygiene and the provision of sanitary pads, emphasizing how it will positively impact their education and overall well-being.
Building A Lasting Impact
Earlier this year, on March 3, 2023, the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East made a similar donation to school pupils of St Kizito Junior High School at Nima in Accra. Also on May 12th, 2023, the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East made another donation of hampers of sanitary pads to school pupils of Nii Sowah Din Primary School at Botwe School Junction in Accra. By doing so, they aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of young girls and contribute to the overall social development of the region.
Conclusion
Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental aspect of women's health and well-being. The "Pad a Girl" event organized by the Rotary Club of Accra Legon East in partnership with the Rotary Club of Accra - Adjiringanor, Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City, and Rotaract Club of Accra- East serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. It underscores the significance of empowering young girls to lead healthy and fulfilled lives. In all, about 350 pupils benefited from the Pad a Girl initiative.