Participants at the training
The Ghanaian CSO Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an organization formed to promote collaborative civil society actions toward meeting the SDG targets, has hosted a workshop for journalists with the objective of enhancing their capability in covering menstrual health issues.
The workshop conducted in Accra on May 29, 2025, was designed to improve the abilities of media personnel in covering topics related to menstrual health. The event particularly emphasized reporting on accessible and cost-effective sanitary products as well as governmental programs focused on advancing menstrual hygiene and overall health.
Levlyn Konadu Asiedu, who serves as the National Coordinator for the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs, mentioned that the objective of the workshop was to inform journalists about their role in educating the public regarding menstrual health and to help debunk myths associated with it.
“We organized this training to help them improve their reporting on menstrual health management, whether it’s about menstrual hygiene, education, or advocacy, or how to form advocacy groups for menstrual health among youth,” she clarified.
She stated that the workshop was not meant to suggest that journalists fail to carry out their responsibilities properly; instead, it aimed at supporting their development.
We’re not suggesting that your performance is lacking; rather, this initiative stems from what we call ‘Continuous Professional Development’ within organizations,” she explained. “We see this as an opportunity for advancement and growth, similar to how regular reports contribute to career progression.
She urged parents to discuss topics related to menstruation and menstrual health with their children. She emphasized that young girls shouldn’t learn about these matters from peers for the first time; instead, they should get this information from their parents well ahead of experiencing their initial period.
“Prior to a girl experiencing menarche, her parents—especially—should ideally have discussed this topic with her. Many parents avoid these conversations, leading their children to learn about menstruation from their peers, who might themselves lack comprehensive knowledge of the subject,” she emphasized.
She noted that religious organizations, educational institutions, and various advocacy groups have participated in these discussions; however, she emphasized that the responsibility ultimately rests with the parents.
Archibald Adams, who leads communications for Oxfam in Ghana, added his voice to this sentiment, stating that journalists play a pivotal role as catalysts for change. They have the power through their platforms to educate society and diminish stigmas associated with menstruation, which often persist due to harmful traditional beliefs.
“Journalists act as catalysts for change; they aren’t merely reporters. Therefore, they have the ability to utilize their platforms for education and to diminish the levels of stigma fueled by harmful cultural practices, enabling open discussions about menstruation for all,” he stated.
He likewise showed enthusiasm about the government’s recent free sanitary pads program and promised their backing for this effort.
“We’re thrilled that the government has introduced free sanitary pads; we commit ourselves to collaborating with them to make sure these reach girls in remote areas, ensuring they can have a dignified menstrual experience,” he stated.
Stressing the significance of inclusivity, he encouraged the clergy, religious leaders, educational institutions, and businesses to participate in discussions. This collaboration aims to promote an inclusive strategy for tackling critical concerns related to menstruation health.
“We require everyone to join us, including the churches, schools, and corporate sector of Ghana,” he stated.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong
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Ghana CSO Platform Hosts Workshop on Menstrual Health Reporting
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