Pupils from the Keta Urban Circuit have received an insightful education on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) from Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, a member of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC), during the Interschool Sports Competition on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The week-long Interschool Sports Festival which took place at the Vodza R.C School Park in the Volta Region of Ghana,West Africa from March 17 to 21 March, provided a unique platform for addressing an important but often overlooked aspect of adolescent health.
In her presentation, Sr. Nyatsoe, , highlighted the importance of proper menstrual hygiene, breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.
She explained the biological process of menstruation and the need for young girls to practice good hygiene to prevent infections and discomfort.
She emphasised that menstruation was a natural part of life and should not be a source of embarrassment.
“Girls must be empowered with the right knowledge and resources to manage their menstrual cycles with dignity,” she said.
She also encouraged boys to be supportive and understanding, helping to eliminate myths and misconceptions that often lead to discrimination.
The session included practical demonstrations on the proper use and disposal of sanitary products, such as disposable and reusable pads.
Sr. Agnes also stressed on the importance of personal hygiene, regular bathing, and wearing of clean underwear during menstruation.
In managing menstrual cramps which mostly make some of the girls to stay away from school during their periods, Sr. Agnes advised the girls to drink warm water frequently and exercise regularly to ease the pain.
“It is good you are into sports, keeping the body active prevents menstrual cramps; so as sports girls, you don’t have to absent yourself from school because of menstruation”, she opined.
The talk was well received by the pupils, teachers, and sports officials present.
Many students expressed gratitude for the knowledge acquired.
A Basic 9 pupil, Gayina Doris shared her thought, “I feel more confident about managing my periods without fear.”
The education session was part of a broader initiative to integrate health education into school activities, ensuring that pupils are equipped with lifelong skills for personal well-being.
The programme organizer, Mr. Remember Agbetsivi acknowledged Sr. Agnes for her commitment to adolescent reproductive health and pledged to fall on stakeholders to sustain such engagements in the future.
The sports activity didn’t only foster athletic excellence but also empowered young minds with crucial health knowledge, making it a memorable day for the pupils of Keta Urban Circuit.
By Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC (Sr. Communicator)
