Veteran Ghanaian gospel artiste Rev.Mrs.Diana Hopeson, formerly known as Diana Akiwumi, has called for the demystification of taboos surrounding menstruation in Ghana.
Speaking at an “Influential Conference ” organized by the non-profit organization As I Grow (AIG) at Benkum Senior High School on International Menstrual Hygiene Day, Diana Hopeson stressed on some cultural and social challenges faced by many adolescent girls and women due to prevailing myths and taboos about menstruation.
These restrictions often include not cooking, mingling, or leaving a secluded zone, as well as not sharing buckets and plates with others during their periods.
Rev. Mrs. Diana Hopeson, a former President of MUSIGA, emphasized that labeling menstruating girls as “unclean” damages their self-worth and isolates them from essential social interactions.
She called for the eradication of these barriers from society, rather, comprehensive measures be rolled out to support women during their flow.
“The taboos must be looked again because in those days because there was no proper way of cleaning that is why you can’t go close to the person but in this day and age with proper sanitation and proper preparation some of those taboos can be readjusted. So some of these traditions that would not help. Every tradition has a reason if we look into it we can modify them to meet the needs of society”. Said Rev. Mrs Diana Hopeson.
Godfred Arko Osei, Assistant Registrar and Head of Career and Counselling at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), also advocated for the abolition of taxes on sanitary pads.
Sanitary pads were shared to the students during the program.
Some students at the event shared struggles of their friends in accessing sanitary pads, highlighting the need for more supportive measures.
The CEO of AIG, Debrah Bekoe Isaac said the program aimed to empower students regarding career paths and menstrual hygiene, addressing critical issues that affect their daily lives and future opportunities.
He urged Ghanaians to support young girls in accessing more opportunities and career-shaping drivers to help them actualize their dreams, talents, and aspirations.
“Research by As I Grow indicates that many young girls in school lack access to programs and educational opportunities that can help them achieve their dreams. This lack of support hampers their ability to rise and become who they aspire to be”.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com/Kojo Ansah
