A programme to end menstruation-related school drop-out launched

A programme that will help to reduce menstruation related dropout of girls from school has been launched in Accra.

The initiative which is a joint project of three organisations namely Procter & Gamble (P&G)’s Always Keeping Girls in School Program (AKGIS), World of Children Award and EPF Educational Empowerment Initiative will provide support for underprivileged girls in Ghana to pursue their education.

The project is expected to provide sanitary supplies and health-related educational materials to 1,000 junior school girls over the next six months. It will be the first time P&G will be undertaking its AKGIS in Ghana.

This, the organisation argues is in line with its ‘Commitment to Action’ announced at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in September 2015 to help girls and women around the world build their confidence.

Director of Communications of P&G for sub-Saharan Africa, Khululiwe Mabaso, was optimistic the project will achieve its set targets.

He explained, “Empowering the female child is multifaceted and one of the most powerful platforms to positively change our society.”

Mabaso disclosed beyond the impact the project is anticipated to have on the lives of vulnerable Ghanaian female students, the grand impact is expected to be felt in the entire continent.

Founder of EPF Ghana, Winnifred Selby welcomed the joint project, saying, “Girls can face so many problems in Ghana today.”

According to her, “Winning the World of Children Award and entering into this relationship with P&G shows that EPF’s work, and these girls, are truly important to the world.”

On his part, Co-founder of World of Children Award, Harry Leibowitz, explained the rationale behind the project was to bring some relief to girls of school going age.

“With P&G’s new commitment and past work, Selby’s work with girls in her native Ghana, and World of Children Award in a position to connect the two, the project just makes sense,” he said, noting, “We’re honoured to be an integral part of this incredibly important program designed to help girls remain in school.”

At least over 1.2 million girls across Sub-Saharan Africa, receive puberty and hygiene education from professional nurses annually through the Always Programme which commenced in 2006.

P&G has already made significant impact in this area with campaigns like the Always #LikeAGirl campaign, which elicited incredibly positive global response.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com