Ayikuma came alive with enthusiasm, curiosity, and active engagement as over 550 adolescents participated in a menstrual health and hygiene outreach organized by ARHR to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.
The event brought together students from Ayikuma Methodist School, Ayikuma Catholic School, and Ayikuma R/C Basic School, providing a valuable platform for open and engaging discussions on menstruation, puberty, personal hygiene, and adolescent health and well-being. For many participants, it was a rare opportunity to seek clarity on sensitive issues, dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, and acquire practical knowledge and skills to manage their menstrual health with confidence in a safe, supportive, and stigma-free environment.
The event was attended by officials from the Shai Osudoku District Education Directorate, the Health Directorate, teachers from the participating school, and community representatives, all of whom played important roles in ensuring the programme’s success. The District Director of Education, Madam Zillah Nyakor, underscored the importance of menstrual health education within the broader agenda of adolescent development and educational achievement.
Leading the educational session was Madam Gracelove Adjeson, a Public Health Nurse, who guided students through discussions on menstrual health management, hygiene practices, and the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. Through an engaging and interactive approach, she created an atmosphere that encouraged students to participate freely and seek clarification on issues that are often considered sensitive.
One of the highlights of the programme was a practical demonstration on the proper use of sanitary pads. The demonstration, which involved both a boy and a girl, drew enthusiastic participation from students and served as an important learning moment. By involving boys directly, the session reinforced the message that menstrual health is not solely a girls’ issue but one that requires understanding and support from males.
A key highlight of the outreach was ARHR’s intentional inclusion of boys in the menstrual health education sessions. This approach sought to address the stigma, teasing, and misconceptions that many girls experience during menstruation while promoting a more supportive and inclusive school environment. Through interactive discussions and educational activities, both boys and girls were encouraged to develop greater understanding, respect, empathy, and mutual support, helping to break down barriers and foster positive attitudes toward menstrual health and hygiene.
ARHR distributed more than 300 sanitary pads to girls from the participating schools. This is to support the girls in managing their menstruation while reducing barriers that may affect their attendance and participation in school.
The outreach formed part of ARHR’s ongoing commitment to advancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights, promoting menstrual dignity, and creating supportive environments where every young person can thrive. As the world marked Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, the outreach served as a reminder that coming together for a period-friendly world requires education, inclusion, and community action.
By bringing together students, educators, health professionals, and community stakeholders, ARHR continues to contribute to a future where menstruation is understood as a normal part of life and where no girl is left behind because of menstruation-related challenges.
