A veteran Ghanaian gospel artiste 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, according to her included not cooking, mingling, or leaving a secluded zone, as well as not sharing buckets and plates with others during their periods.
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 however called for the eradication of these taboos and cultural practices from society.
it’s estimated that over 500 million women and girls worldwide are grappling with period poverty, a condition defined by the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation, and education.
This crisis, which impacts nearly 800 million menstruating individuals daily, has severe repercussions on health, education, and economic opportunities.
Initiated by the German non-profit WASH United in 2013, the World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed May 28 each year to highlight the importance of menstrual health among women and girls.
This year’s theme, ‘’Period Friendly World’’ seeks to intensify awareness of the physical, mental, and social well-being of women and girls concerning the menstrual cycle.
Source:Penttvnewsroom
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