In the Nkwanta North district of Oti region in Ghana, countless school girls in junior and senior high schools miss a week of school every month due to their inability to afford sanitary pads. This dire situation is not only affecting the quality of education for the girl-child but is also promoting teenage pregnancy. Consequently, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nkwanta North, William Kidignang Nawugma, has pleaded with companies and individuals to come to the aid of these vulnerable girls.
This call comes as a result of the sad reality that many girls miss school every month during their menstrual period. They cannot afford sanitary pads due to poverty, leading to them staying out of school until their periods end. This does not only affect their academic performance but also exposes them to risks such as teenage pregnancy.
The District Chief Executive, in collaboration with the Quanzhou Ensha Sanitary Products Co. Ltd., which is a well-known sanitary product manufacturer, is seeking help from the public to donate sanitary pads to schools in the district. The company is popular for its wide range of products, including diapers and adult pads.
The company has more than six years of experience in manufacturing hygienic products and has facilities equipped with state-of-the-art testing equipment and skilled staff. They produce up to 250*40 HQ monthly, have a team of researchers, designers and innovators, and are dedicated to research and development, industry, and trade.
The issue of menstrual hygiene has been a significant problem affecting girls of school-going age in Ghana, with some attributing the struggle to deep-rooted cultural norms and taboos. As a result, many girls face challenges in accessing adequate information and resources to manage their periods comfortably and hygienically.
The DCE emphasizes that all stakeholders must understand that the girl-child faces numerous challenges, including poverty and lack of adequate support for basic necessities, such as sanitary pads. Therefore, he is appealing to non-governmental organizations and individuals to donate sanitary pads to help keep girls in school and to prevent teenage pregnancies.
In conclusion, this call to action is critical for many school girls in Nkwanta North district who are struggling to access sanitary pads. This move will go a long way in reducing the number of girl-child pregnancies and ensuring that girls remain in school, which is paramount to their personal development and the development of the nation as a whole. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals and companies respond to this appeal by donating sanitary pads to support the education of the girl-child in Nkwanta North.