In a significant stride towards promoting menstrual equity and empowering adolescent girls, EmpowerHer International, in collaboration with the Nu Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., has held the fourth Annual EmpowerHer Menstrual Health Summit at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School in the Akuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The event aimed to demystify menstruation and encourage girls not to view it as a taboo or mystery, but rather as a normal part of female life.

EmpowerHer International Foundation works to deepen the impact of the Nu Lambda Sigma Chapter across West Africa and the continent at large. Its initiatives include providing boreholes, reusable sanitary pads, E-Girl STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, and improved lavatory facilities.

This year’s EmpowerHer summit was held across five West African countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Ghana, with the Ghanaian edition taking place at Aburi Girls’ SHS.

Each of the 600 participating students, aged between 12 and 18 years, received an EmpowerHer-branded reusable sanitary pad kit. The kits contained five eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads locally manufactured by EcoPeriod Reusable Sanitary Pads in Kumasi, with each pad designed to last at least one full year.

Menstrual education

As part of the summit, Dr Audrey Allotey of the University of Ghana Medical Centre’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department educated students on the female reproductive system, the menstrual cycle, menstrual hygiene, hygienic use of sanitary pads, sexually transmitted diseases, and common misconceptions about menstruation.

Using a question-and-answer format, Dr Allotey addressed students’ concerns and cautioned them against engaging in sexual activity during their perceived “safe” periods. She explained that pregnancy could still occur during these times, noting that sperm can survive in the vagina for up to three days. “For you, students, the best option is complete abstinence from sex to avoid unwanted pregnancies,” she advised.

Biological reality

Dr Allotey further explained that menstruation is not a taboo, but rather a purely physiological and biological process, as taught in science classes.

Iris Ampofo-Barnes, President (Basileus) of the Nu Lambda Sigma Chapter in Ghana, took students through discussions on mental health, financial literacy, STEM education and career guidance. She emphasised the organisation’s commitment to the holistic empowerment of girls to help them reach their full potential in life.

Ms Ampofo-Barnes noted that EmpowerHer International operates under four main pillars: menstrual education, distribution of sustainable pads, access to clean water and sanitation, and the promotion of gender equity. “This year’s initiative is expected to impact over 2,000 girls across West Africa,” she said.

She added that by equipping girls with accurate knowledge, sustainable menstrual products, and mentorship in health, STEM and career development, the organisation was helping shape a future led by confident, educated, and empowered African women.

Alberta Seyram Adjoa Ananga Ayitey, an alumna of the 1996 year group of Aburi Girls, also addressed the students. A teacher, dietician, and Chief Executive Officer of the ANEG Foundation, she noted that in her work as a philanthropist and advocate for girls, she had encountered numerous challenges facing young women, including mental health issues, poverty, and emotional isolation. She called for more dedicated individuals and organisations to support efforts to empower young people in Ghana.

Rita Biney, the Assistant Headmistress in charge of domestic affairs, who represented the Headmistress at the event, expressed her gratitude to the benefactors. She said the school felt honoured to have been selected for the summit among many girls’ senior high schools across the country and hoped such initiatives would continue to empower especially underprivileged students.

A final-year student, Omanye Naa Akushika Joel-Pappoe, who spoke to GraphicOnline, commended the organisers for the knowledge imparted during the summit. “We have learnt a life-long lesson today as girls. This has cleared many of our fears and misconceptions about menstruation,” she said.