A Public Health Nurse, Madam Lucy Sanyenu, has raised alarm over the growing exploitation of adolescent girls who lack access to basic menstrual hygiene products, warning that some are falling prey to sexual predators in exchange for sanitary items.
Speaking at a forum in Fiapre, Sunyani West Municipality, to mark the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day, Madam Sanyenu called on families to prioritize the menstrual health needs of their daughters. The event was jointly organised by ActionAid Ghana (AAG) and the Young Urban Women’s Movement (YUWM) in Sunyani, bringing together students, educators, and health stakeholders.
She expressed deep concern that failure by some parents to provide sanitary pads and reproductive health support has left many young girls vulnerable to manipulation and abuse.
“Some men are taking advantage of these girls under the guise of helping them with menstrual products. This is unacceptable and preventable if families step up to their responsibilities,” Madam Sanyenu stated.
The nurse stressed the importance of menstrual education and self-care, urging girls to maintain personal hygiene, change pads regularly, and drink more water during menstruation. She noted that good hygiene and balanced nutrition are critical for reducing infections and boosting girls’ confidence during their periods.
Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 focused on amplifying awareness about menstrual health while highlighting the urgent need for improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in basic schools.
Mr. Yaw Osei Boateng, Bono Regional Programme Officer for AAG, echoed these concerns, noting that lack of menstrual support contributes significantly to school absenteeism among girls.
He called on school authorities to provide menstrual waste bins and facilities that ensure privacy and dignity. “We must end the silence, stigma, and shame surrounding menstruation. Menstrual health is a rights issue,” Mr. Boateng asserted.
He further highlighted AAG’s contributions in building child-friendly schools, boreholes, and toilets in parts of Bono Region and urged government agencies to scale up efforts in prioritizing menstrual health.
The forum ended with a collective call to action—urging communities, schools, and policymakers to protect girls’ rights, uphold their dignity, and ensure that no girl is left behind due to menstruation.
