AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi Mine) has celebrated this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day with basic schools in the mine’s host communities. The annual event was held at Brahabebome in the Obuasi East Municipality to create awareness on the importance of good menstrual hygiene.
This was done in collaboration with the Obuasi Municipal and East Health Directorate, Ghana Education Service, GIZ and the Ghana Health Service.
Mrs Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, the Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, in her speech emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene at the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day Durbar held under the theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”.
She noted that menstruation, a natural process experienced by half the world’s population, is still met with shame and inadequate access to hygiene products, especially in developing countries. Mrs Kyei underscored that menstrual health is a fundamental human right, as advocated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The Social Development and Gender Superintendent further pointed out that inadequate menstrual hygiene resources exacerbate social and economic inequalities.
She disclosed that AngloGold Ashanti and partners will distribute 12,500 Sanitary Pads to 49 schools In the Obuasi Municipal and East, 3 schools in the Amansie Central and 6 schools in the Adansi North districts.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Kyei called for continued efforts to ensure menstruation does not hinder education, health, or dignity. She urged all stakeholders to work together to break the silence, end the stigma, and secure resources for safe and hygienic menstrual management for everyone.
On her part, Ms. Hannah Amponsah, Regional Girls Education Officer for the Ashanti Region, announced that menstrual education will begin in senior high schools and stressed the importance of hygiene practices. She highlighted the challenges girls face, such as the lack of sanitary pads, which led to the creation of the Regional Pad Bank for public donations.
These donations are distributed by District Girls Officers to those in need.
Mrs Amponsah emphasized that World Menstrual Hygiene Day includes both pad distribution and education on menstrual hygiene, urging men to support their partners during menstruation.
During the durbar, health talks were held for junior high school students to educate girls on menstrual hygiene and boys on supporting their female classmates.
The event also saw the launch of new educational materials on menstrual health.
AngloGold Ashanti has been committed to promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and providing resources. Their initiatives include public education on radio and training sessions for Girl Child Coordinators in Obuasi.
Story by Johnson Owusu Aduomi
