The Manageress of Amenuveve SIV Organization, Roberta Donkor, encouraged girls not to feel ashamed of menstruation, emphasizing that it is a source of pride in womanhood.
She conveyed this message on Friday, October 11th, 2024, during an event commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. The engagement took place with girls from Adaklu Torda D/A Basic School and Adaklu Kpodzi E.P Junior High School in the Adaklu District of the Volta Region.

Ms. Donkor, sharing personal experiences, including how her mother guided her during her first menstruation, urged the girls to feel confident in approaching their parents or female teachers whenever they encounter issues concerning their Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
She also took the opportunity to educate the girls on maintaining good personal hygiene, especially during menstruation, so they can live healthy and productive lives.
During the interactive session, the girls were asked questions about their Reproductive Health Rights and were encouraged to ask questions in return. They were taught important hygienic practices such as bathing at least twice a day, changing menstrual pads depending on flow, and recognizing pre-menstrual syndromes, which signal the approach of their menstrual cycle.
Madam Ivy Bedy, a member of the advisory board at Volta Pad, producers of Reusable Sanitary Pads, also spoke to the girls. She encouraged them to focus on their studies and avoid unhealthy lifestyles, such as engaging in sexual activities that could lead to unwanted pregnancies and hinder their academic progress and future success.
In line with this year’s theme for Girl Child Day, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” she highlighted global efforts to create opportunities for girls, including the Affirmative Action Bill in Ghana, which offers them great potential if they prioritize their education.
She also reassured the girls that, should any of them become pregnant, they should not see it as the end of the world or attempt unsafe abortions. Instead, they should seek support from their teachers and Girl Child Coordinators. She emphasized that they could still complete their education with the help of their parents and counselors.

In an interview, the Girl Child Coordinator of Adaklu Kpodzi E.P Junior High School, Madam Juditha Mortey, explained that many girls face challenges, particularly a lack of menstrual pads to manage their hygiene. Some are forced to use tissue paper and other unhygienic substitutes, which can harm their health. She also noted that the inability of some parents to provide adequately for their daughters is a contributing factor to teenage pregnancy in the community.

She called on stakeholders and organizers to supply girls with essential items like menstrual pads and school supplies to help alleviate these challenges.
One of the students, Fortunate, used the platform to advocate for the donation of Volta Pads to their school, enabling the girls to manage their menstruation more effectively.
Source: By Desmond Tinana