500 Girls educated on menstrual health
The founder of Think You Can Stars Foundation (TYCS), Abena Dadebea, has urged girls to see menstruation as a normal biological process and not a source of shame.
She said menstruation remained surrounded by myths, fear and stigma in many communities, making it difficult for some girls to confidently manage their menstrual health.
Speaking at a programme to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 in Accra, Ms Dadebea said the awareness campaign was aimed at promoting proper menstrual hygiene and ending misinformation surrounding menstruation.
The event was organised by TYCS, in partnership with Linzzy Sanitary Pads, on the theme: “Together for a Period-friendly World.”
It brought together girls from ten selected schools in the Ablekuma North Municipality, with about 500 girls participating in the programme.
She said the annual observance, which started globally in 2014 after being initiated by a German-based non-profit organisation in 2013, sought to sustain awareness on menstrual hygiene and wellness.
“We are fighting hard to break the stigma and we cannot stop the awareness movement. It must always be propagated,” she said.
Ms Dadebea said one of the major aims of the programme was to educate girls on proper menstrual hygiene practices, including the safe disposal of sanitary products and maintaining cleanliness during menstruation.
She encouraged girls not to isolate themselves during their menstrual periods, stressing that menstruation did not make them different from others.
“If you menstruate, you are not sick. You are just like any other girl, any other human being. Periods are normal,” she stated.
She also urged girls to understand the difference between normal and abnormal menstrual flow and seek professional help when necessary.
Ms Dadebea said access to accurate information on menstrual health would help reduce infections, improve mental health and prevent the spread of misinformation among young girls.
She added that the campaign complemented the efforts of teachers and school facilitators who continued to educate students on menstrual health issues.
She expressed appreciation to the programme sponsors for supporting the initiative to improve menstrual health awareness among girls.
Confidence
The Ablekuma North Education Director, Harriet Lomotey, also encouraged girls to embrace their purpose and live confidently despite the challenges associated with menstruation.
“You are a girl for a purpose and it is about time you recognised that purpose,” she said.
Ms Lomotey described menstrual hygiene as not only a health issue but also a matter of education, confidence and dignity.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to manage menstruation confidently and without fear or discrimination,” she said.
She noted that in some communities, girls still faced restrictions and harassment during menstruation due to cultural misconceptions and stigma.
She, therefore, called for continuous education to help society better understand menstruation and support girls during their periods.
Student
A student of Odorkor Salleria 1 Basic School, Nazieeha Ibrahim, said the programme had educated participants on proper menstrual hygiene practices.
“Today, we learned a lot actually, and one of the things I learned is that while you are in your menstruating cycle, you should eat proper food, take your regular bath and practice personal hygiene as well,” she said.
