Donation to Okanta Presbyterian Basic School

We donated sanitary products and hygiene kits  to the young menstruating girls in the school from JHS 1 to 3. During the donation we educated the girls on how to manage their menstrual cycle, healthy ways in managing it and how to calculate their periods. We also highlighted  the need to have a good understanding of personal hygiene and the ways through which young girls can be advocates for the achievement of SDG goal 3 and 4.  

Personal Hygiene Tips for Girls and safe practises

Hygiene becomes more important as your girl starts to grow and change. This is all the information she needs to know about menstruation, personal hygiene, and other puberty-related changes. 1. Personal Hygiene The first thing any preteen needs to learn is the fundamentals of personal hygiene. Assist your adolescent in creating a schedule and demonstrate to her how to take care of her skin. Add some fun to it by using colourful soaps and girlie shampoos and body washes. 2. Know the Signs of Puberty Being aware of your child’s impending puberty can help you better prepare her for the changes that come with it. When your child steps into the beautiful world of puberty, there are a lot of changes you may anticipate. 3. Girls and Shaving For females, good personal hygiene involves knowing when and how to shave.Teaching your daughter the proper technique for holding a razor, cleaning it after each use, and prepping the skin with foam or shaving gel will help her learn how to shave safely over time. 4. Tampons or Pads? Every female needs to be aware of the distinction between tampons and pads. It is essential that your daughter understands how to use the products safely for her personal hygiene. 5. Understanding Acne There are challenges even with proper personal hygiene. Although acne is a natural part of growing up, your child still has a voice in the matter. By being aware of the causes of acne and its treatments, you can support your preteen. 6. Understanding Early Puberty You may have a precocious puberty problem if your daughter reaches puberty before the age of eight. To assist her in adjusting, be aware of the following.  

Girl Child Hygiene donates sanitary towels to girls in Adjei Kojo School for the Deaf

Girl Child Hygiene has donated sanitary products to young girls at menstrual age at the Adjei Kojo School for the Deaf in the Tema West Municipality December 11, 2023.  The donation forms part of the core mandate of the organization and its aim to fight Sex for Pads canker in society.  The initiative which started in 2021 has seen more than 3,000 young girls receive sanitary products to lessen the burden they face during their periods.  Adjei Kojo School for the Deaf is a specialized public school located in the community and houses more than 1,000 students from primary through to JHS.    The donation was graced with the presence of the Vice Board Chairman of Girl Child Hygiene, Captain Emmanuel Ofoe, who doubles as a Mariner and works with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. He used the opportunity to urge the girls not to become victims of sexual abuse and they also learn to practice safe and sound menstrual hygiene.  During the donation the General Manager and Human Resource Manager of the Girl Child Hygiene, Leticia Agyekum took the girls through a session on how to use the sanitary pads and also educated them on the various risk on not practising a healthy periods.  She also noted that “menstruation is not a crime and no one should be victimized for having their menses.” Ernestina Adzo Dika, our Media and Communications Manager urged the general public to rally behind the organization to make impacts across the world by supporting us with the little they have to offer.  The donation saw students perform a drama on Menstrual Hygiene to educate their peers on standard practises. The idea of the drama display was drafted by our Project and Planning Manager, Meshack Okunnor, who doubles as the Headmaster of Okanta Basic School in the Eastern Region.  Girl Child Hygiene is a leading charity organization aimed at providing sanitary products to young girls of reproductive age across Ghana and also educating them on menstrual flow/hygiene to lessen the burden they face during menstruation and to contribute to the achievement of SDG goal 3, 4 and 5.  Please follow us on all our social media handles via @girlchildhygiene Thank you. #girlchildhygiene #girlsgeneration #StillWeRise #girlpower #amosekowcoffie

Donation to Fallahia E/A JHS, Upper West Region

Girl Child Hygiene has donated sanitary products to young girls in menstrual age at the Fallahia E/A JHS in the Upper West Region on May 29, 2023.  The donation forms part of the core mandate of the organization and its aim to fight Sex for Pads canker in society.  The initiative which started in 2021 has seen more than 3,000 young girls receive sanitary products to lessen the burden they face during their periods.  Fallahia E/A JHS  is a public school located in the community and houses more than 1,000 students from primary through to JHS.  Speaking at the donation ceremony, the Regional Coordinator for Girl Hygiene, Mr Ali Abdulai urged the young girls to consistently practice healthy and safe periods. Girl Child Hygiene is a leading charity organization aimed at providing sanitary products to young girls of reproductive age across Ghana and also educating them on menstrual flow/hygiene to lessen the burden they face during menstruation and to contribute to the achievement of SDG goal 3, 4 and 5.  Please follow us on all our social media handles via @girlchildhygiene Thank you. #girlchildhygiene #girlsgeneration #StillWeRise #girlpower #amosekowcoffie

Video: Girl Child Hygiene interview on TV Africa Ghana

The Girl Child Hygiene team was interviewed on Wednesday, Feb 22, 2023, on TV Africa where issues on sex for pads, young girls keeping themselves neat, proper ways of disposing of their pads etc were discussed. Amos Ekow Coffie, our Founder and Ama Asabea Akuoko Sarpong our Co-founder were the guests. During the discussion, the founder Amos Ekow Coffie, highlighted on the need to get every girl child involved in this project.  He also stressed on the need to have a national dialogue on scrapping the 20% import duty and 12.5% VAT on sanitary pads in the country.  Speaking on the proper ways of using and handling the sanitary pads, Mr Coffie explained the processes and methods.  “when you take out your pad make sure your hands are clean and gently take off the pad and put it in the pant by making the small part of the pad come forward to the vagina and the longer part behind around the butt, and the middle inside the middle of the panty, then use the wings to lock it in the pant and after you put you panty on, after four hours depending on the type of flow whether heavy or light u have to try and change your pad at every three to four hours, that way you are being hygienic,” he said.  Explaining how to dispose off the pad, Co-Founder, Ama Asabea Akuoko Sarpong said, “it is important not to let anyone see your menses so once you are done with using the pad, wrap it nicely and dispose it in a bin or burn it in a fire absorbent can.”  Girl Child Hygiene is a nonprofit organization aimed at providing, educating and helping young girls understand their menstrual health and cycle and providing sanitary products and hygiene kits to adolescent girls hence contributing to the achievement of SDG goal 3,4 and 5.  Keep following and supporting us. We are open to working with all of you. Click on the link below to watch the full interview: 

Negative health effects can be avoided with education and good menstrual hygiene management at school

In order to maintain health, wellbeing, and equitable learning opportunities for boys and girls, adequate menstrual hygiene facilities with free hygiene products and timely instruction on period health for both sexes are essential school interventions. On May 28, which is Menstrual Hygiene Day, WHO/Europe urges nations to intensify their efforts to improve menstrual hygiene policies in schools to avoid negative health effects. Students’ wellbeing can be impacted by poor menstrual hygiene, which can result in infections of the reproductive or urinary tract. Due to concerns about bullying and poor restroom facilities, girls may choose not to attend school while they are on their period. They are unable to focus when they are uncomfortable or in menstruation pain. Lack of privacy and insufficient bathroom doors or cubicles provide a barrier for females during their period in several countries of the European Area. Another issue is the shortage of inexpensive menstruation supplies. For instance, 1 in 10 girls in the United Kingdom, according to a study conducted by Plan International UK in 2017, could not afford menstrual hygiene products, which had an impact on their attendance at school. Since then, the nation has taken steps to lower the price of these goods. Other nations’ data are still inadequate. In order to analyze the issue, assist capacity building, speed up water and sanitation improvements in schools, and promote policies that ensure safe, sanitary, and respectable menstruation, WHO/Europe collaborates with governments. Testimonies from both students and teachers across the Region demonstrate the advantages of normalizing menstruation hygiene in schools and the potential for change. Support needed to provide education on menstrual health   “As a school principal, I believe that education on menstrual health and hygiene should be a priority to address our girls’ needs while in school,” said Ivana Orolicki, a school principal from Serbia.   “Talking openly about menstruation and puberty and educating both boys and girls would be a promising step towards reducing feelings of shame and discomfort around this topic,” she added.   “Providing students with adequate and timely information and promoting menstrual health is of utmost importance. Teachers and school staff should be trained to provide this kind of support. I wish for teachers in my school to become a reference for students on questions about menstruation. But to achieve this goal, schools need more support. Due to many competing priorities, capacity and resources continue to lag, along with the lack of attention to menstrual hygiene management,” she concluded.   Breaking taboos around menstruation “It is important that students ask questions and look for people who can answer them free of judgment or taboos,” said Lara Dal Santo, a middle school science teacher from Italy who educates about menstrual health.   “The first assignment for my students is to write anonymously all the questions they always wanted to ask but never had the courage to. During the following sessions, I try to answer them and break down misconceptions about menstrual hygiene. After the initial embarrassment, pupils become extremely curious, thirsty for information and more comfortable sharing their problems and doubts,” she said.   “We have also set up a table with menstrual hygiene products in the girls’ toilets to provide a ‘safe space’ where pupils can find what they need, and they don’t have to feel uncomfortable asking for them,” she added. “Students keep the table supplied with products throughout the school year. These activities have been instrumental in breaking cultural and societal taboos about menstruation.”   Increasing awareness among both students and teachers   “The other day, when a male friend noticed that I was moody at school, he asked me: ‘Do you have your strawberry week?’. The fact that he avoided saying menstruation made me feel that it was something to hide. If we don’t feel well because of our menstruation, some male teachers still answer that we should control ourselves. Maybe teachers should have some awareness workshops on the topic,” said Greta, a high school student from Germany.   “I wish we could have sanitary bins and menstrual hygiene products in all toilet cubicles so that we do not need to ask for them, which is very inconvenient. There is only one toilet with these products in my school, and they often run out. There are only sanitary bins in every second toilet. One of the students cleverly marked those toilets with bins with a small pencil cross. But not every girl knows what the crosses mean,” she explained.   Making hygiene products affordable for all   “Periods are a natural body function. It is unacceptable that girls are stigmatized because they menstruate, or miss school because they cannot afford menstrual hygiene products, a necessity and not a luxury as they are often treated. We wanted to raise awareness about the challenges of accessing menstrual hygiene products,” said Aimee, a former high school student in Scotland.   “We received training to teach about menstruation to younger students. Menstrual products are now available for free in all toilet cubicles in our school. It is important that girls can collect these products without asking teachers,” she said. “As my classmates and I are leaving high school, we are now handing over to younger students so they can carry on this important work and ensure that the messages continue.”   Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global advocacy platform to promote menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls.   Source: WHO

Girl Child Hygiene donates sanitary products to young girls at Akuse Methodist JHS

Girl Child Hygiene has donated sanitary products to young girls from JHS 1 to 3 at the Akuse Methodist JHS in the Eastern Region on February 10, 2023.  The donation forms part of the core mandate of the organization and its aim to fight Sex for Pads canker in society.  The initiative which started in 2021 has seen more than 3,000 young girls receive sanitary products to lessen the burden they face during their periods.   Akuse Methodist JHS is a public school located in the community and houses more than 1,000 students from primary through to JHS.  The donation was graced with the presence of Portia Goh is a Public Relations Officer working with Shai Hills Resource Reserve (Forestry Commission) who encouraged the young girls to take their studies seriously and bring the best out of them in whatever they do. “You can become whatever you want but make sure you study hard and bring the best out of you. You can also be a lawyer like others just study hard and be the best in whatever you do,” she said. As part of the initiative to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in Ghana, Girl Child Hygiene carrying out these projects to contribute to SDG goals 3,4 and 5. Speaking at the donation, the Founder Amos Ekow Coffie stated that, the organization is not just donating pads but also the organization is working assiduously to finish up its current research and also work along with stakeholders and companies that are willing to help fight against the canker and support the young girls. “We are making an impact in the lives of young girls in all the communities we have been to, and I know the good Lord is watching us and seeing what we are doing to change the narrative of the girls in society. We are not just donating and that’s it we are working on a lot of projects and research, we will be launching our new research soon, and we believe that when the government sees it they will have a change of mind on the high taxes they have imposed on sanitary pads in the country,” he said. He also said, “we are open to working with anyone who wishes to come on board and support us to make life better for these young girls in the rural areas of Ghana.” He expressed his gratitude to everyone and called for more help.  “I want to say a very big thank you to our international partners and donors for their support and encouragement since we started this project, please don’t stop continuing to support us and let’s make an impact together,” he added. During the donation, the young girls were taken through the processes by which they can calculate their menstrual cycle and how to also ensure safe and clean usage of the sanitary pads. Girl Child Hygiene is a leading charity organization aimed at providing sanitary products to young girls of reproductive age across Ghana and also educating them on menstrual flow/hygiene to lessen the burden they face during menstruation and to contribute to the achievement of SDG goal 3, 4 and 5.  Please follow us on all our social media handles via @girlchildhygiene Thank you. #girlchildhygiene #girlsgeneration #StillWeRise #girlpower #amosekowcoffie  

Girl Child Hygiene to donate sanitary products to Akuse Methodist JHS

Girl Child Hygiene is set to donate sanitary products to young girls from JHS 1 to 3 at the Akuse Methodist JHS in the Eastern Region on February 10, 2023.  The donation forms part of the core mandate of the organization and its aim to fight Sex for Pads canker in society.  The initiative which started in 2021 has seen more than 3,000 young girls receive sanitary products to lessen the burden they face during their periods.   Akuse Methodist JHS is a public school located in the community and houses more than 1,000 students from primary through to JHS.  The donation will be graced with the presence of Portia Goh is a Public Relations Officer working with Shai Hills Resource Reserve (Forestry Commission). A graduate from the Ghana Institute of Journalism with years of experience in Communications, marketing, tourism hospitality and management, content creation and social media management. She’s passionate about using her acquired communication skills to research, educate and communicate relevant information in the best possible and practicable way. She’s also an advocate for women empowerment and is dedicated towards empowering women and influencing policy makers to create a safe space for women in every little corner they find themselves. As part of the initiative to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in Ghana, Girl Child Hygiene carrying out these projects to contribute to SDG goals 3,4 and 5. Speaking ahead of the donation, the Founder Amos Ekow Coffie has stated that, the donation is not just it but also the organization is working assiduously to finish up its current research and also work along with stakeholders and companies that are willing to help fight against the canker and support the young girls.  “We are making an impact in the lives of young girls in all the communities we have been to, and I know the good Lord is watching us and seeing what we are doing to change the narrative of the girls in society. We are not just donating and that’s it we are working on a lot of projects and research, we will be launching our new research soon, and we believe that when the government sees it they will have a change of mind on the high taxes they have imposed on sanitary pads in the country,” he said. He also said, “we are open to working with anyone who wishes to come on board and support us to make life better for these young girls in the rural areas of Ghana.” He expressed his gratitude to everyone and called for more help.  “I want to say a very big thank you to our international partners and donors for their support and encouragement since we started this project, please don’t stop continuing to support us and let’s make an impact together,” he added. Girl Child Hygiene is a leading charity organization aimed at providing sanitary products to young girls of reproductive age across Ghana and also educating them on menstrual flow/hygiene to lessen the burden they face during menstruation and to contribute to the achievement of SDG goal 3, 4 and 5.  Please follow us on all our social media handles via @girlchildhygiene Thank you. #girlchildhygiene #girlsgeneration #StillWeRise #girlpower #amosekowcoffie  

School girls given sanitary pads as part of measures to end #Sex4Pads in society

The Girl Child Hygiene has distributed more than 300 pieces of sanitary pads to girls in schools in the rural part of the Greater Region; Agorteman M/A JHS, Obom-Kojoman D/A  School and Christ Star School, Agblizaa as part of measures to curb the menace of sex for pads in society across Ghana. The aim of the project which was held in December is to help contribute to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 5. As part of activities to achieve this goal, the Girl Child Hygiene visited three schools in the rural areas of the Greater Accra region to donate the pads to young girls between the ages of 12 to 18 at the Junior High School level. Addressing the gathering, Special Guest and Director of Aspire Today, Etornam Sey, encouraged the young girls to be understand why it is important for them to place value on themselves and not having to sleep with men for money just to buy pads. She said many of the girls had stopped attending school due to the negative social norms surrounding menstrual hygiene management. This has deprived the girl child of her right to education and called on the general public to be circumspect on how they address menstrual issues.  “Having your period is not a crime and we must not allow ourselves to be swindled into believing its a crime. We need to support the girls and we need to understand that it is not their fault to have their periods. People have sex because it is their choice but as a woman you don’t have a choice when it comes to your period, it will come whether we like it or not,” she said. She also called on government to consider scrapping the huge tax rate on sanitary pads in the country and bemoaned that, young girls are unable to buy pads in recent times due to the high rate at which it is being sold on the market.  “The 45% tax rate on sanitary pad alone is really bad and this is compelling the young girls to take certain decisions like having sex with men just to raise some money to buy pads, I think this is so wrong and the ordeal of most of these girls in society is very heartbreaking. It is happening and most girls are doing it but are shy to say it or even talk about it,” she indicated. Supporting girls to manage their periods Speaking on the ways by which the girl child could manage her periods, the General Manager of the Girl Child Hygiene Leticia Agyekum noted that, the goal of the product distribution was to assist females in meeting their menstrual cycle demands, particularly in rural areas where they couldn’t otherwise purchase sanitary pads. In addition, she entreated the teachers and authorities to make it a point to educate the young girls and general public in order to end the taboo and silence around menstrual hygiene management and to reform harmful societal practises, particularly among boys and men. Commending the works of the Girl Child Hygiene, Madam Gifty, a teacher in the school said the intervention of the organization is a step in the right direction, calling it extremely opportune. Sanitary pads keep girls in school Due to a scarcity of sanitary pads, several local girls had quit school and become pregnant in the society. In addition, the unfavourable societal standards has prevented females from receiving an equal education and had an adverse effect on their health, safety, and sense of dignity.