Participants at the training
The Ghana Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an organization formed to promote collaborative civil society initiatives toward meeting the SDGs, has hosted a workshop for journalists with the objective of enhancing their capability in reporting on 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 menstruation 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 on menstrual health and to help eliminate misunderstandings related to this topic.
“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 intended to suggest that journalists fail to carry out their responsibilities properly; instead, it aimed at promoting their development.
“We’re not initiating this because we believe your performance is lacking. Every organization has what’s called ‘Continual Professional Development,’ and we’re implementing this as a means to support your advancement. This initiative falls under the category of professional development similar to regular progress reports,” she explained.
She urged parents to discuss topics related to menstruation and menstrual health with their children. She emphasized that young girls ought not to learn about these matters from peers for the first time; instead, they should receive this information from their parents well ahead of experiencing their initial period.
“Prior to a girl experiencing menarche, her parents—especially—should have discussed this topic with her. Many parents avoid these conversations altogether, which leads their children to learn about menstruation from their peers, who might be equally uninformed,” she emphasized.
She noted that religious organizations, educational institutions, and various advocacy groups have participated in these discussions, but emphasized that the responsibility ultimately rests with the parents.
Archibald Adams, who leads communications for Oxfam in Ghana, added his voice to suggest that journalists play a role as catalysts for change. They have the power through their platforms to inform the public and diminish stigmas related to 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 to educate people and decrease the stigmatization 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 committed to supporting this initiative.
“We’re thrilled that the government has introduced free sanitary pads; we commit ourselves to collaborate with them to make sure these reach girls in remote areas, ensuring they can have dignified menstrual periods,” he stated.
Stressing the significance of inclusivity, he called upon religious figures, including clergymen and other spiritual leaders, along with educational institutions and businesses, to engage in dialogue. This collaboration aims to promote an inclusive strategy for tackling critical concerns related to menstruation hygiene.
“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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