Ghanaian Schoolgirls Defy Child Marriage, Demand Menstrual Dignity

Techiman Schoolgirls Unite Against Child Marriage, Demand Menstrual Dignity Techiman, Ghana – On World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, over 300 final-year female students from Islamic schools across Techiman came together in a powerful display of unity. Their mission: to break the chains of child marriage and secure their right to menstrual health. The event, a collaboration between the Metropolitan Girl Child Coordinator and the Ellen G. White Sustainable Foundation, provided much-needed sanitary products and education. "We have recorded several child marriage cases," stated Ellen White Okuoku, the event convener. "One of our focuses is to advocate against child marriage and ensure all our girls remain in school." The Queen Mother of Techiman, Nana Ama Asantewaa Munufie II, shared a poignant story about a young girl in her community who became pregnant due to a lack of access to sanitary pads. This underscored the critical intersection between period poverty and exploitation. The event was not just about providing pads; it was about empowerment. The girls received education on menstrual health and hygiene, and were encouraged to report any attempts to force them into marriage. The Queen Mother's powerful testimony, along with the actions of the Ellen G. White Sustainable Foundation, created a powerful message of defiance and hope, highlighting the importance of protecting girls' bodies and dreams.