KMA Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day with 5,000 Sanitary Pads for Schoolgirls in Kumasi

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has marked this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the distribution of 5,000 boxes of sanitary pads to female students in selected schools within the metropolis.

Beneficiary schools included Kumasi Girls’ Senior High School, Zakafia Islamic Senior High School, Asem Islamic School, among others. The gesture forms part of a broader campaign to promote menstrual health education and break the stigma surrounding menstruation, especially among young girls.

Speaking during the presentation, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of KMA, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, said the initiative is aimed at enhancing menstrual hygiene management and creating an enabling environment for girls to thrive academically without the fear or shame that often surrounds menstruation.

“Menstruation should not be a barrier to a girl’s education. This support is meant to empower girls, boost their confidence, and encourage regular school attendance,” Hon. Boadi said.

He noted that the lack of access to sanitary pads has long been a silent contributor to school absenteeism among female students. According to him, many girls are forced to stay at home during their monthly cycles due to financial constraints and the lack of sanitary products.

“By providing these sanitary pads, we are not just addressing a health need, we are also tackling a gender equality issue,” he added.

The Mayor stressed the need for consistent support and called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private institutions, and individuals to partner with the Assembly in making sanitary pad donations a monthly practice instead of limiting it to annual commemorations.

He also used the opportunity to encourage parents and guardians to be more involved in supporting their adolescent daughters through education and access to proper menstrual care.

“Menstrual hygiene must not be treated as a taboo or private matter. It should be discussed openly so our girls feel confident and supported,” he said.

At Zakafia Islamic SHS, students expressed appreciation for the kind gesture and the menstrual health education sessions that accompanied the donation. Many of them noted that the initiative had helped boost their understanding of personal hygiene and reproductive health.

“We are thankful to KMA. Sometimes it’s hard to get pads and we feel shy asking our parents. This support means a lot,” said one grateful student.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28 every year to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. This year’s celebration in Kumasi was not only impactful but also served as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize menstrual hygiene as a key aspect of girls’ health and empowerment.

The KMA’s leadership in this cause sets a commendable example for other assemblies and institutions across the country.