The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary candidate for the Fanteakwa South Constituency, Duke Ofori-Atta, has called on stakeholders in the educational sector to invest in gender equity and proper menstrual hygiene.
Gender equity and menstrual hygiene, he noted, are fundamental human rights essential for the dignity, health, and well-being of all individuals, particularly women and girls. He said it was, therefore, crucial to address the systemic barriers and stigmas surrounding menstruation, ensuring access to safe, affordable, and sustainable menstrual products, as well as education and awareness to change the status quo.
Duke Ofori-Atta was speaking at an event organized by his outfit in collaboration with the Fanteakwa South Education Directorate to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 in the Fanteakwa South District. The Parliamentary candidate donated large quantities of sanitary pads and a sanitary dispenser to the Fanteakwa South District Education Directorate to support the menstrual health and hygiene of the female students in the area.
He assured the students that he will work hard to address challenges that affect their menstrual hygiene and provide them with decent facilities to support their menstrual health and hygiene. He encouraged the girls to stay in school and not let menstruation hold them back from achieving their goals.
The Fanteakwa South District Director of Education, Mr. Richard Akosah Addo, in his address, commended the girls for their participation in the insightful event, urging them to prioritize their menstrual hygiene, take their education seriously, and avoid teenage pregnancy. He also appealed to the new PC for additional facilities, highlighting previous support of GHS10,000 to the Directorate for mock exam preparations, GHS15,000 for Osino SHS, and GHS5,000 for Nsutam SHS during exam preparations. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude for the inclusion of Osino in various educational workshops and programs, including 20 slots annually for students from Fanteakwa South at the STEM school in Abomosu.
The Queen Mother of Osino, Nana Adoma III, who was present to grace the event, advised the girls to avoid visiting obscure places which can result in teenage pregnancy and encouraged them to prioritize their education and menstrual hygiene by taking good care of their health and well-being.
Also present to grace the event was the Fanteakwa South Health Directorate, led by the District Director, Margaret Nyarko, who demonstrated proper menstrual hygiene to participants. Every Little Bit Counts (ELBC) Foundation, represented by Carlotta Dede Djaba, was also present and a part sponsor of the event.
Carlotta Dede Djaba advised the girls to take their menstrual hygiene seriously. “Remember that taking good care of your menstrual hygiene is a vital part of your overall health and well-being. Don’t let menstruation hold you back from achieving your dreams. By prioritizing good hygiene practices and seeking support when needed, you can manage your periods with confidence and focus on your education and personal growth. Remember, knowledge is power, and the more you learn, the bigger you’ll make it in life.”
Certificates of appreciation were later presented to the participating schools and some female groups and leaders in the Fanteakwa South District.