Every girl child who has started menstruating has the right to experience a dignified period, including girls with disability.
Period dignity is said to mean affordable access, shameless access, and broad access to everything they need to manage their periods – from period products to washing facilities.
In recent times period poverty, which can be defined as the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products, seems to be one of the major factors hindering most girls from having their periods with dignity.
And girls who are physically challenged are no exception.
In order to help provide some solution to this problem, the Graduate Students Association of Ghana, UCC Branch on Monday, May 29, 2023, visited the Cape Coast School for the Deaf, Blind in the Central Region to donate menstrual products to the female learners.
ICYMI: Ankaful M/A Basic School to get a proper drainage system
The donation which was done in commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrated annually on May 28 across the globe was done under the auspices of the office of the Women’s Commissioner, Luu Darlyn Yinpok.
Speaking to ATLFMNEWS on what informed the initiative, she said it is needful for all and sundry to include girls with disability in their contribution to society to promote menstrual hygiene in the country.
“…through literature, we realized there was that gap in service for girls with disability and it was even stated in a study conducted by the Ghana National Association of Deaf People that yes, they acknowledge the need for menstrual hygiene management. However, members of the association, which are young girls, don’t get access to education and menstrual products, and even sanitary hygiene places like Washrooms and other things. So, it was a recommendation to all and sundry to try and include persons with disability in their menstrual hygiene project” she said.
Although the school is known to occasionally cushion the girls with access to menstrual pads and underwear for use during menstruation, the Head Master of the School for the Deaf and Blind, Mr. Abraham Annang Yemoson believes this kind gesture will go a long way to help the girls have their menses in a dignified manner.
To him, the cost involved in acquiring sanitary pads, especially on the part of Persons with Disabilities should always be put into consideration, to ensure their hygiene and health at all times.
He was therefore grateful to the Graduate Students Association of Ghana UCC Branch for the kind gesture in presenting sanitary products as well as educating the children on menstrual hygiene.
Source: Rosemond Asmah/ATLFMNEWS
