Friday, 12th February,2021 was a day of remembrance in the lives of 70 adolescent girls of the Odumse D/A Basic School, in Dodowa- Greater Accra Region.
Carrying out their routine duties as well as academic work, the 70 adolescent girls did not know that the day would end with not only joy in their hearts, but also, relevant and timely information that will last a lifetime.
For Millicent, one of the 70 adolescent girls, the information provided by UNFPA and the Abiola Bawuah Foundation (ABF) undoubtedly enlightened her especially as she grows into womanhood. “I am so grateful to you for this information. I have lived with my father since age nine and I honestly did not know how to wash myself clean during my menstruation but after today’s talk, I know that I must bath at least twice daily and change my sanitary pad regularly to avoid infections”, my father is very free with me and tells me a lot of things but not things related to my menstruation said 14-year-old Millicent.
Youth Leaders Fellows of UNFPA Ghana embarked on a mission to provide young people with information on sexual and reproductive health including menstrual hygiene, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and harmful practices and assertiveness.
“Now I know that I must say no to sexual advances made by men so that I can become a great woman in future” Millicent confidently shares with her colleagues after a session on assertiveness and its importance in the lives of adolescent girls.
Management of the Odumse D/A Basic School appreciated UNFPA and the ABF for providing the female students with dignity kits consisting of sanitary pads, toothpastes, towels, notebooks, Adolescent Info Packs booklets and other educational materials including backpacks, clear bags, school uniforms and stationery.
In ensuring a world where every young person’s potential is fulfilled, UNFPA remains committed to empowering young people particularly teenage girls as adolescence is a critical time in every girl’s life. The encounter with Odumse D/A Basic Schools were held with strict observance to Ghana COVID-19 protocols.
