Volta Health, Education Services push for menstrual stigma-free environment and protection of girls

The Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Volta Regional Health Directorate have intensified calls for improved menstrual health education, stronger protection against gender-based violence and renewed support for out-of-school girls, including young mothers.

The call was made during an information session for in-school and out-of-school adolescent girls at the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Ho, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day under the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World.”

The Volta Regional Health Directorate was represented by Dr Hectoria Awekeya, Acting Deputy Director of Public Health, who highlighted the importance of accurate menstrual health information, safe hygiene practices and early medical attention for symptoms that require professional care.

The Ghana Education Service, in its remarks, stressed that stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation continue to undermine girls’ confidence, education and opportunities, insisting that no girl should have to choose between managing her period and pursuing her education or livelihood.

“Your period is not a curse, a weakness, or something to hide. It is a natural, healthy part of growing up,” the Service said.

It urged girls to seek accurate information from trusted sources rather than rely on rumours, myths or peer pressure, describing knowledge of sexual and reproductive health as essential to making informed decisions and seeking help when necessary.

Speaking on behalf of the Volta Regional Health Directorate, Dr Awekeya explained that menstruation is a normal biological process and encouraged girls to practise safe menstrual hygiene, including the proper cleaning and drying of reusable menstrual materials and avoiding unclean objects or substances in the vagina.

She advised girls experiencing severe menstrual pain, unusually heavy bleeding, persistent irregular periods or symptoms that interfere with daily activities to consult qualified health professionals.

The Directorate also cautioned against self-medication with unprescribed medicines and potentially harmful traditional preparations, stressing that early medical attention is important for protecting their health.

The Ghana Education Service also raised concerns about gender-based violence, including harassment, coercion, abuse and exploitation in schools, homes and communities.

The Service urged girls who experience abuse to report incidents to trusted adults and designated school support personnel, including guidance and counselling coordinators and Girls’ Education Officers.

It stressed that abuse is never the victim’s fault and called for schools to provide safe environments where girls can learn and report concerns without fear.

Parents, teachers, facilitators and community leaders were also urged to listen to girls, believe disclosures of abuse and take appropriate steps to protect them.

Boys and young men were encouraged to support menstrual health education, refrain from teasing girls and help create respectful, stigma-free environments.

The programme also highlighted the need to support girls who are not currently in school, urging them not to abandon their educational and personal aspirations.

The Ghana Education Service identified re-entry programmes, second-chance education and skills training as opportunities to help out-of-school girls, including young mothers, return to learning and improve their future prospects.

The engagement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen adolescent health education and improve access to appropriate health services through collaboration among the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service and development partners.

The officials called for sustained cooperation among schools, families, health professionals and communities to ensure that girls can manage their menstrual health with dignity, access reliable health information and receive the protection and support they need.