The Presbyterian Church Gethsemane Congregation Senchi-Ferry in the Asuogyaman district was filled with excitement as girls from 7 different schools, educators, and community leaders gathered for the annual philanthropic movement of the , ‘Pad Her Up’ Campaign by the Intelligent Lady Network. The event in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day is aimed to teach young girls about menstrual hygiene and empower them with essential knowledge.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global event that raises awareness about menstrual health. It’s an important day to help girls understand their bodies and learn how to stay healthy during their periods. The event features inspiring speeches, interactive sessions, and practical advice on menstrual health.
For five consecutive years, the Network, which is heavily invested in the holistic development of young adolescent girls and women in Ghana, particularly in underprivileged areas has delivered on their mandate to improve menstrual health, fight period poverty and eradicate the stigma associated with menstruation. This year’s celebration was a wholesome moment for the team from the Network as the sessions were fun-packed and extremely interactive.
During the programme, girls learned from experts about their menstrual cycle, how their bodies change, and how to use sanitary products like pads or cloth correctly. They also received practical tips on managing period pains and emotions. Girls enjoyed amazing sessions on creating and using a “period kit” to manage menstruation effectively. They relished in a game of ‘myth busters’, debunking myths about menstruation. Girls were encouraged to save for their own sanitary pads through the “1 Cedi to Pad Up” challenge, in which they committed to making their own susu boxes. This initiative not only taught financial responsibility but also empowered girls to take control of their health.
Over 500 girls received knowledgeable confidence boosters to manage their menstrual health with dignity and pride, and with sanitary pads from Sanita Ghana Ltd and other sanitary items from other sponsors, they expressed appreciation to have been selected for this year’s campaign initiative. Some heads of schools, invited guests, teachers, girl child coordinators and community leaders benefitted from this tremendous exercise.
Menstrual health remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of girls’ education and empowerment. Many girls, particularly in underprivileged communities, face significant barriers due to a lack of access to menstrual products. This can lead to absenteeism from school, diminished self-esteem, and a perpetuation of gender inequalities. The Pad Up Campaign addresses these challenges head-on by providing essential menstrual products and comprehensive education on menstrual health.
Pad Up campaign is more than just an initiative—it’s a transformative movement aimed at breaking the cycle of menstrual poverty and eradicating the stigma associated with menstruation. The campaign not only provides essential products such as sanitary pads for young adolescents and women but also equips them with knowledge to develop physically and emotionally, and excel in school. By addressing menstrual health, the Network is tackling a fundamental barrier to education and equality, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
