In celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28th May, the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), in collaboration with Luv FM a brand under the Multimedia Group, conducted a mentorship programme in Manso Adubia in the Amansie South District, Ashanti Region. The initiative focused on educating female students about menstrual hygiene and encouraging them to pursue STEM programmes at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
Participating schools, including Akyerebikrom Kensere M/A Primary School, Adubia D/A Basic School, and Manso Adubia Senior High Technical School, received education from WISTEMGh KNUST on several important topics. These included menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, responsible use of social media, staying focused on their studies, and the importance of abstaining from teenage pregnancy to prevent contracting STDs. To help mitigate this worrying trend, LUV FM, in collaboration with WiSTEM, presented one thousand, one hundred and thirty (1,130) Eco-Me Reusable Sanitary Pads, six hundred (600) pieces of pantie pads, and ten (10) boxes of disposable pads worth Seventy Thousand Ghana Cedis (GhȻ 70,000). They also gave one hundred (100) bathing pails and soaps.
The Acting Programmes Manager for Luv Fm, Mr. David Akwertey, stated that this was out of the benevolence of radio listeners who want to help girls lead meaningful lives. He urged the ladies to avoid pre-marital sex to avoid teenage pregnancy and live their lives responsibly.
The Chief Executive Officer of Eco-Me Reusable Sanitary Pads, Amdiya Abdul Latiff, educated the students on the female reproductive system. She also taught them how to properly use the reusable pads and also care for themselves during menstruation. She noted that each pad can last up to two years.
The Director of Health for Amansie South District, Dr. Ofosu Kwabi Nasas, highlighted the significance of Menstrual Hygiene Day as an annual global event to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Celebrated each year, he noted that the day draws the attention of government and the public to the critical need for increased awareness and education on menstrual issues. Dr. Nasas pointed out that due to inadequate education about menstruation, many girls face stigma and discrimination. He, therefore, expressed his satisfaction with initiating the programme, highlighting its significance in addressing and alleviating such issues.
The District Chief Executive of Amansie South District, Mr. Clement Opoku Gyamfi, emphasised Government's strong commitment to girls' education and wellbeing. To support the initiative, he announced plans to establish a sanitary pad bank to provide free sanitary pads to needy girls. He called on the community members to contribute whatever they can to ensure the success of the initiative.
The Director of Education, Mr. Stephen Adu-Darko, pledged to continue efforts to reduce the stigma associated with menstruation. He also expressed gratitude to the collaborators for their invaluable support.
The Chairman of the programme, the Gyaasehene of Manso-Adubia, Nana Adusei Kwadampim II, thanked the collaborators for supporting the students. He advised the girls to properly care for their sanitary pads, focus on their studies, and aspire to become STEM mentees.
