By Yussif Ibrahim
Obuasi (Ash), May 30, GNA-AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, in partnership with Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), AGA Malaria Control, Pamicor, and JACHRIS, has supported 5,000 public basic school girls in Obuasi with 15,000 disposable sanitary pads and 2,100 reusable pads.
This impactful donation was preceded by a comprehensive public health education campaign in public basic schools and a durbar held to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Nana Afia Twumwaa Tia, Obaapanin of Nkamprom, a suburb of Obuasi praised the programme, highlighting the profound impact menstruation-related challenges have on the confidence, self-esteem, and school attendance of young girls.
She said these challenges demand a holistic approach like the one adopted by AngloGold Ashanti and its partners, adding that menstruation was a normal physiological process that every woman experiences.
According to her, it should never be a barrier to academic success, and she encouraged girls not to feel ashamed and attend school confidently during their periods.
Ms Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, Social Development and Gender Superintendent at AngloGold Ashanti, representing the Community Relations Manager, emphasised the urgent need to combat the stigma and misconceptions associated with menstruation.
She said the time had come for a collaborative and informed response to menstrual poverty.
Ms. Kyei also revealed that, beyond the donation of sanitary pads and sensitisation efforts, the Obuasi Mine has facilitated the training of over 100 girl-child coordinators in adolescent reproductive health.
These coordinators are now equipped with both technical knowledge and soft skills to guide and educate adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive health, boosting their confidence and reducing anxiety during this critical stage of their development.
Ms. Andrea Hall, a Board Member of Perenti (UMA), underscored the importance of demystifying menstrual health and hygiene.
She called for more inclusive education for both girls and boys to foster greater understanding and normalise menstruation as a natural part of life.
GNA
Linda Asante Agyei