Plan International Ghana is making tangible strides in transforming the lives of adolescent girls in northern Ghana by tackling the often-overlooked barriers that keep them out of school—poor menstrual hygiene facilities, limited sexual and reproductive health education, and a lack of safe, supportive environments.
In communities like Mimima, Sagadugu, and Guabuliga in the North East Region, targeted interventions such as adolescent Drop-in Centres, school Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, and reusable sanitary pads are creating the foundation for girls to remain in school and pursue their dreams.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on classroom access, Plan International’s model addresses the social and biological challenges that disproportionately affect adolescent girls. The organisation has constructed safe Drop-in Centres that serve not only as recreational hubs—with games like ludu, oware, and even TV entertainment—but also as crucial spaces for mentorship and education on menstrual hygiene and sexual health.
Agnes, a 14-year-old participant at the Mimima Centre, shared how the programme is helping her maintain her dignity during menstruation while improving her academic engagement. “I now understand how to manage my body better. I can stay in class and concentrate even during my period,” she said.
The initiative also brings relief to families. Madam Abena Miyanga, a local parent, highlighted how the provision of reusable sanitary pads has eliminated the need for unhygienic makeshift methods like rags, which often led to embarrassment and school absenteeism for girls. “Now, our daughters no longer stay home because of their periods,” she said.
Plan International’s impact doesn’t stop with in-school girls. Through the Educational Outcome Fund (EOF) programme, the organisation is providing Complementary Basic Education (CBE) for out-of-school children aged 8 to 16. These children receive a nine-month intensive literacy and numeracy programme, after which they are reintegrated into the formal education system.
Madam Miyanga shared that her daughter, who had dropped out of school, is now back and thriving in basic five, thanks to the CBE initiative. Eleven-year-old Magdalene, a basic six student, also credited the programme for giving her a second chance at education.
At Sagadugu R/C Basic School, the Integrated Package for Sustainable Development (IPADEV) project funded the construction of modern WASH facilities and private changing rooms for girls. Students at the school noted how these facilities allow them to manage their menstrual health with privacy and dignity—drastically reducing absenteeism.
As these interventions continue to reshape the narrative for girls in northern Ghana, one thing is clear: supporting adolescent girls with holistic, dignity-affirming resources is key to building stronger, more equitable communities.
