She said menstruation was a natural and essential part of life and must not be a source of shame, fear, nor discrimination.
“In many communities, girls are stigmatised for having their periods, forced to miss school, suffer in silence, or use unsafe methods due to lack of access to sanitary products and information,” she said.
The Minister made the call at a forum organised by Touching the Lives of Girls Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, to educate and empower young girls on menstrual hygiene and sexual abuse.
The event, held on the theme: “Menstrual Hygiene and Sexual Abuse Talk: Breaking the Silence,” brought together key stakeholders, including traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, health professionals, and youth advocates.
Madam Lartey said the government remained committed to ensuring that girls had access to safe menstrual products, accurate information, and public education on the issue.
“Making menstruation a normal part of life by 2030 is not just a call to action – it is a commitment to dignity, inclusion, and equality,” she stated.
The minister stressed the importance of nationwide awareness on sexual abuse, calling for legal safeguards and the education of children on their rights to prevent abuse and empower victims.
Naa Opronye Afi II, Queen Mother of Teiko Tsuru We of the Ga State, called for advancement in girl-child education, proposing a national conference to develop a comprehensive strategy for girls’ education and empowerment.
She described the Dipo traditional rite of the GaDangmes as an important cultural platform that inspired and educated girls about self-care, personal hygiene, and their future aspirations.
Naa Opronye pledged continued support from traditional authorities to both parents and the government in efforts to educate and empower girls.
Madam Dorcas Toffey, the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, spoke on mental health, encouraging girls to recognise their emotional struggles and seek help when needed.
“Strength is not pretending to be okay. Strength is knowing when to ask for help,” she said, urging the girls to build supportive friendships and nurture a culture of genuine care.
Dr John Bosomtwe, a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at the St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia, advised the girls to be confident and open about their menstrual health.
He said conversations on menstrual hygiene should include boys and teachers to foster a more supportive school environment and dismantle societal stigma.
“The primary role of this talk is to educate our girls and provide age-appropriate guidance on menstrual hygiene,” Dr Bosomtwe said.
Nana Ama Adutwumwaa, the Founder of Touching Lives of Girls Foundation, said her own challenges with menstrual health during her youth inspired the foundation’s establishment in 2016.
She recounted how improper menstrual hygiene led to a medical condition requiring surgery, reinforcing the need to educate girls early on.
“Our aim is to break the silence around menstruation and ensure girls understand their bodies from both a personal and scientific perspective,” she noted.
GNA
