Lions Clubs International Embarks on Menstrual Hygiene Campaign

For some, menstruation may be an inconvenience they give little thought to. But for millions of others, this most natural of reproductive cycle functions can equate to abuse, stigma, missed opportunity and loss of dignity.

Among initiatives to support menstrual health and hygiene, six (6) Lions Clubs of District 418 reached the students of La Bawaleshie Presbyterian Primary 1 & 2 and the Dzorwulu JHS to educate students on menstrual health and hygiene.

The campaign facilitated personnel from the Ghana Health Service to educate the students on how to use sanitary towels and other issues in that regard.

Lion president of the Accra Premier Lions Club, Lion Richard Baah Messie mentioned that “the campaign is to educate both male and female of the school. They often subject ladies to ridicule when they cannot keep themselves clean because of a lack of knowledge of menstrual hygiene, therefore Lions Clubs and the Hon. Member for the Ayawaso West Wuggon constituency, Hon. Seyram Alhassan to come to the aid of the young ones.”

Lion Richard Baah Messie- Accra Premier President

The health promotion officer for Ayawaso West Health Directorate, Madam Slyvia Anaman educating the students on menstrual hygiene, said Adequate menstrual hygiene facilities with free hygiene products and timely education for boys and girls on menstrual health are crucial school interventions to ensure health, well-being and equal learning opportunities.

Madam Slyvia Anaman – Ayawaso West Health Directorate

“Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to urinary or reproductive tract infections and affect the well-being of students. Girls may avoid attending school during their period due to fear of bullying and inadequate toilet facilities. With discomfort and menstrual pain, they cannot concentrate.” She said.

Leos in focus

She, therefore, urged the young ladies to eat well and take their shower after changing their sanitary towels to avoid infections.

They gave the young girls packs of sanitary towels each and the boy’s toothbrush and paste at both schools.

The participating clubs were the Accra Premier Lions Club, Tema Supreme Lions Club, Accra Gye Nyame Lions Club, Accra Omega Lions Club, Achimota Gulf Hills Lions Club, Kas City Lions Club, and Accra Gye Nyame Leo Club, Tema Supreme Leo Club and the Accra Sankofa Leo Club.