Menstrual Education
Menstrual health education – why is it important?
Menstrual education is crucial to improving the lives of girls in Ghana. It is estimated that as many as 95% of girls miss classes during menstruation due to lack of access to sanitary products, which negatively affects their academic performance and future employment opportunities.
Through education, girls learn about healthy practices and gain confidence, which enables them to participate actively in school life.
The Effects of Menstrual Poverty
Menstrual poverty has a serious impact on girls in Ghana, affecting their health, education and future. Lack of access to sanitary products forces girls to use unhygienic substitutes, leading to infections and health problems.
Stress, shame and a sense of exclusion affect their mental health, causing anxiety and low self-esteem. Skipping lessons and worsening academic performance limits future career opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.
Lack of access to hygiene products
It is estimated that 500 million menstruating people around the world do not have access to adequate products, and the problem is particularly acute in Ghana.
The high cost of menstrual products and lack of proper sanitation are huge obstacles for girls, who are often forced to leave school. Hygiene products such as pads and tampons are unattainable for many families, leading girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives.
The lack of access to clean water and private toilets further exacerbates the problem, creating not only a health but also an educational barrier that limits their chances of a better future.
Menstrual workshops
The Akra Foundation actively supports girls in Ghana by organising educational workshops that teach about menstrual health and personal hygiene. We provide reusable menstrual pads and panties that allow girls to experience menstruation with dignity without skipping class.
With the support of organisations such as Ponyhof e.V., the Akra Foundation organises workshops led by experts such as Khadi, an experienced nurse from Tamale. The workshops raise the topic of menstruation, educate about health and break taboos, engaging not only girls but also boys and mothers.
During the workshops, participants learn about good hygiene practices, as well as receive reusable pads and menstrual panties that change their daily lives. Through community engagement, support from donors and partners like Reusable Menstrual Action and Pink Box, the workshops give girls a real chance for a better future.
Khadi, an experienced nurse from Tamale, is a key figure in the educational activities of the Accra Foundation. She passionately runs workshops on menstrual hygiene, educating not only girls, but also boys and mothers from the surrounding villages. Khadi has a gift for imparting knowledge in a comprehensible and engaging way, which inspires participants to take care of their health and break taboos. Her commitment and determination make each lesson an opportunity for a better life for the local community.
Khadi works every day in health education, holding family planning meetings and promoting healthy habits.
We talk about workshops at Radio LUZ
Menstrual workshops in Ticheli 2024
In 2024, the Akra Foundation organised a menstrual workshop in Ticheli led by Khadi, a remarkable nurse from Tamale. The workshops were aimed at both students and women from the surrounding villages, educating them on menstrual health, hygiene and hygiene products. Participants had the opportunity to learn different methods of coping with menstruation, from pads to menstrual panties, which was new to many of them. Thanks to the support of donors, menstrual products were distributed, which made a significant impact on the lives of the local community.
