MYO Global, a youth-focused advocate and non-governmental agency, committed to shaping a better future for the youth has launched its maiden initiative dubbed, ‘Pad The Girl’ project at Dodowa Presby School.
The initiative according to organizers, is geared towards making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030 and promoting hygiene by making sanitary pads accessible to the Ghanaian girl child.
The event was graced by Hajia Nazifatu Shiraz, Health Promotion Officer at the Ga East Municipal Assembly, who enlightened the young students on menstrual hygiene and engaged them in practical demonstrations.
She also stressed government’s “Girl Iron Folic Tablet Supplement” project (GIFT) was rolled out by the Ghana Health Service to make available iron folic supplements for young Ghanaian girls. “The initiative is in two folds where we have the school outreach, going from school to school to provide these supplements to student girls as we do same with the community outreach. It’s our goal to make sure they remain healthy while they experience the cycle,” she said.
Expressing her support for the project, Hajia Nazifatu Shiraz shared, “Menstrual hygiene is not only vital for physical well-being but also plays a crucial role in promoting confidence and self-esteem among girls. I commend MYO Global for their efforts in making sanitary pads accessible to girls, enabling them to manage their menstruation with dignity.”
Aarona Owusu, Project Lead of “Pad the Girl Project,” emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Our vision is to normalize menstruation by 2030, ensuring that it is no longer a hindrance to girls’ lives. By providing sanitary pads and promoting hygiene, we empower girls to navigate their menstruation journey comfortably and confidently devoid of any intimidation and mockery.”
MYO Global’s generous donation of sanitary pads sponsored by Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), Goldridge Holdings and some benevolent individuals comes across as a transformative impact on the lives of girls at Dodowa Presby School as several of the students shared their experiences and the challenges they’ve encountered in their efforts to get access to sanitary pads.
The students and school authorities expressed their appreciation to the group from MYO and its sponsors. The School Health Education Programme Coordinator (SHEP), reiterated the devastating condition of the school’s washroom as they pleaded to have their washrooms renovated to improve hygiene among students.
“We are immensely grateful for the generous support and donation from MYO. The sanitary pads will make a significant difference in our girls’ lives. While we appreciate this gesture, we also kindly request assistance from any well-meaning organization or individuals to help us in renovating our washrooms to enhance hygiene standards among our students. Our washrooms have been in a devastating condition for a very long time and when it gets to that time of the month for the girls, they either absent themselves or stain their uniforms because they are unable to use the washroom.”
In between the eventful day, Efya Hemaa, Co-Lead and Coordinator for the event further engaged students in some drills concerning their menstrual health. The passionate members from MYO Global ensured their commitment to putting smiles on the faces of the students with the distribution of more products from sponsors including Golden Tree chocolates.
‘Pad The Girl’ project launch signifies MYO Global’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and the vision of its founder and non-executive chairman, Professor Douglas Boateng. The impact of the project promises to extend beyond Dodowa Presby School, inspiring communities and individuals to take action.
By: Jude Tackie
