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Afife, Ghana . May 28, 2025 In a powerful move to combat period poverty and empower adolescent girls, the Universal ChildCare Foundation organized a transformative Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy and Pad Sharing Program to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. The outreach, held in the Afife community of the Ketu North Constituency, impacted over 700 girls from seven basic schools, offering both education and much-needed menstrual hygiene support.
The initiative could not have come at a more critical time. Globally, more than 500 million women and girls lack access to proper menstrual hygiene management, with Sub-Saharan Africa being one of the most affected regions. In Ghana’s rural communities, only an estimated 30% of girls consistently have access to sanitary pads. The consequences are far-reaching—according to UNICEF Ghana, approximately 95,000 girls miss school each year due to menstruation-related challenges. This contributes to nearly 20% of annual school days lost for some girls.
Addressing these challenges head-on, the Universal ChildCare Foundation’s program aimed to tackle the stigma surrounding menstruation while ensuring girls have the tools and knowledge to manage their periods with dignity. More than 1,500 sanitary pads were distributed across the seven participating schools: Afife R.C Primary and JHS, Afife E.P Primary and JHS, Afornyaga Basic School, Ewu Logui Basic School, and Eleme Sovi Basic School.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Emefa Quashie Agbana, Executive Director of the Universal ChildCare Foundation, emphasized the importance of menstrual dignity in promoting gender equality and education.
“Menstruation should not be a reason for any girl to drop out of school or feel ashamed,” she stated. “Our mission is to empower girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.”
The day’s activities included practical demonstrations and interactive sessions, one of which was led by Miss Mawukoenya Agbenyezi. She guided the girls through the proper use of sanitary pads and explained the importance of maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation. The sessions were designed to equip the girls not just with supplies, but with the confidence and understanding to care for themselves safely.
One of the program’s most compelling voices came from Gabriel King Akpalu of the GKI-LEADERSHIP Center. Breaking cultural taboos, he directly engaged boys and girls alike, advocating for a more inclusive approach to menstrual education.
“Boys must be part of the conversation,” Akpalu declared. “They should support their sisters, classmates, and friends. Together, we must break the silence and build a culture of empathy and understanding.”
Community leaders, educators, and health professionals from the Ghana Health Service and Ghana Education Service were present and actively supported the event. Their collaboration was widely commended and seen as critical to the initiative’s success.
Students and teachers alike expressed profound gratitude and shared positive feedback. Many girls reported feeling more informed and confident about managing their periods, while teachers noted a new level of openness and engagement among their students.
As the nation reflects on the broader implications of period poverty, the Universal ChildCare Foundation is calling for stronger government backing and stakeholder involvement. The organization is also advocating for the integration of menstrual education into Ghana’s national school curriculum, a move aligned with the President’s current education reform agenda.
In a time where the global push for gender equality and inclusive education is gaining momentum, the Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy and Pad Sharing Program in Afife stands as a beacon of hope and progress. By empowering girls with knowledge, support, and dignity, Ghana takes another step forward on the path toward national development and social justice.
