Afife: In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the Universal ChildCare Foundation has spearheaded a powerful Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy and Pad Distribution Program, reaching seven schools in the Afife community within the Ketu North Constituency.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative directly impacted over 700 adolescent girls, delivering both critical menstrual health education and essential sanitary products, as part of a wider effort to combat period poverty-an issue that continues to hinder the education and wellbeing of millions of girls across Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Globally, more than 500 million women and girls lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene resources. In Ghana's rural areas, only about 30 percent of girls have reliable access to sanitary pads. The consequences are far-reaching: up to 10 percent of schoolgirls regularly miss class during their menstrual periods, contributing to nearly 20 percent of missed school days annually.
UNICEF Ghana estimates that around 95,000 girls in the country miss school every year due to menstruation-related challenges. Many girls are forced to use unsafe alternatives such as rags, paper, or leaves-practices that expose them to infections, social stigma, and emotional distress.
Mrs. Emefa Quashie Agbana, Executive Director of the foundation, and her team facilitated practical sessions and interactive demonstrations focused on menstrual health education. 'Menstruation should never be a reason for a girl to drop out of school or feel ashamed,' Mrs. Agbana said. 'Our goal is to ensure that every girl manages her period with dignity, confidence, and accurate knowledge.'
In a progressive twist, the event also engaged boys, with Mr. Gabriel King Akpalu of the GKI-LEADERSHIP Center addressing the importance of inclusion and support. 'Boys must be part of the conversation,' he said. 'They play a critical role in creating a supportive and stigma-free environment for their sisters and classmates.'
One of the most inspiring moments came from Miss Mawukoenya Agbenyezi, a student who led her peers through a hands-on demonstration on the correct use of sanitary pads and hygiene practices. Her presentation boosted confidence among her fellow students and highlighted the importance of peer-led advocacy.
More than 1,500 sanitary pads were distributed to students from the participating schools: Afife R.C. Primary and JHS, Afife E.P. Primary and JHS, Afornyaga Basic School, Ewu Logui Basic School, and Eleme Sovi Basic School. The program received strong backing from community leaders, educators, and health professionals. Both the Ghana Health Service and Ghana Education Service were applauded for their collaboration and support in making the outreach a success.
Students and teachers expressed overwhelming gratitude, noting that the program had not only informed them but also inspired them as well. The Universal ChildCare Foundation is calling for increased governmental and stakeholder support to scale similar initiatives nationwide.