| More than 300 million girls and women worldwide are menstruating every day, yet in West Africa, the topic is still taboo. This impacts girls’ education and womens’ health. Some NGOs are trying to change how the local population is talking about menstruation. In Ghana and Togo, grassroots organisations like IAMANEH Switzerland and local NGOs work to challenge cultural perceptions and improve health norms around menstruation. These organisations empower rural communities through workshops, teaching women how to make reusable sanitary pads and address inadequate hygiene. One example is the Obibini Girls Surf Club in Ghana’s beach town Busua. It is breaking down gender barriers by encouraging young girls to surf, while also challenging the taboo around menstruation. Through this approach, girls like 14-year-old Christina not only learn to ride waves but also gain confidence in understanding their own bodies. In workshops organised by the club, they learn more about menstrual health, and the misconceptions surrounding it. One cultural belief they challenge is the idea that girls and women need to quarantine themselves during their periods, as they are often viewed as impure or unclean. Other NGOs engage men through role play leading to more acceptance of women and their needs. --- swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Its role is to report on Switzerland and to provide a Swiss perspective on international events. For more articles, interviews and videos visit swissinfo.ch or subscribe to our YouTube channel: Website: http://www.swissinfo.ch Channel: http://www.youtube.com/swissinfovideos Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=swissinfovideos |
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