In a bid to break the long-standing myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, a training session was held for journalists with focus on reporting menstrual hygiene and creating awareness. The initiative aimed to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively communicate the importance of menstrual health and hygiene to their audiences.
The training workshop is part of the Youth for Health Project co-funded by the European Commission and supported by the CSOs Platform on the SDGs.
The journalists learned about the importance of menstrual hygiene, the challenges faced by girls and women in Ghana, and the impact of poor menstrual health on education, Parental education, economic productivity, stigmas and myths surrounding menstruation etc.
According to Archibald Adams, Communications Lead for Oxfam, menstrual hygiene shouldn’t be viewed as a ‘women’s issue.’ Instead, engaging men and boys in the conversation can have a significant impact on promoting menstrual health and hygiene.
Another area the training focused on was ways to address period poverty in the rural areas. Access to sanitary pads, wash facilities.
Levlyn Konadu Asiedu, National Coordinator of the CSOs Platform on Sustainable Development Goals, noted that the initiative aimed to bridge the communication gap between menstruators and accessible knowledge, leveraging the impactful medium of mass broadcasting.
She also highlighted the economic hurdles many girls face in accessing sanitary pads, impacting school attendance and overall well-being. While acknowledging the government’s Free Sanitary Pad Initiative as a positive step, she emphasized the need for increased awareness and effective implementation to reach all beneficiaries.
This year’s celebration is on the theme “Together for a Period Friendly World”. This theme emphasizes creating a world where menstruation is not a barrier to education, opportunity, or dignity, and where it’s treated as a normal, natural process, free from stigma and taboo.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Obaa Yaa Owusua Ahimah