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Fathers largely excluded from menstrual hygiene conversation …Research reveals
When it comes to menstruation, most fathers remain silent, a recent study by SENDGhana, a non-governmental organisation has revealed.
It said only three out of every 15 fathers interviewed had ever talked to their daughters about menstruation.
“This speaks volumes about the discomfort, misinformation, and cultural silence surrounding menstrual health and the vulnerability or heavy burden this places on girls navigating puberty alone,” Latifa Abdul Hadi, a Research Assistant with SENDGhana, said during a training for journalists on menstruation in Accra.
Sharing findings of the research conducted in six districts across the country last year, Ms Hadi noted that despite growing awareness campaigns and menstrual hygiene drives, fathers are still largely excluded from the conversation.
“Culturally, menstruation is treated as a women’s issue but this thinking sidelines half of the household,” she said.
“In all of the districts we conducted the research only about 0.1 per cent, just three out of 15 fathers have actually opened their mouths to talk about menstruation and menstrual hygiene to their young girls.”
She encouraged parents, especially fathers to take the initiative to educate themselves on menstruation and menstrual hygiene.
“Social media is a good place to start. But beyond that, there are verified websites with accurate information. Men must make the effort,” she insists.
Ms Hadi also urged young girls not to shy away from speaking to their fathers on menstruation.
“He’s your father. There’s nothing wrong with asking questions; telling him what you’ve heard, what you’re experiencing, and asking how you can care for yourself,” she advised.
BY Abigail Annoh
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
