A 13-year-old Junior High School student, Tamara Odueki Tekper, has taken a bold step to champion menstrual hygiene among girls at Halter Academy High School in Kpongunor in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.

Ms. Tamara, who serves as the Girls’ Prefect, led a menstrual hygiene drive in her school to support fellow students, especially those who struggle to manage their periods due to financial or social challenges.

According to her, the initiative was born out of concern for her colleagues who often miss classes during their menstrual periods.

“As the Girls’ Prefect, I must lead by example. Leadership is about service, and I decided to do this to support my colleagues so that they won’t have to skip classes because of their menstrual period,” she explained.

She added that menstrual challenges have negatively affected the academic performance and self-confidence of many girls, calling on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to help young girls manage menstruation with dignity.

Her father, Mr. Bright Tekper, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Sir Bright Foundation, supported the initiative with a donation of 65 packs of sanitary pads to the school.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Tekper praised his daughter’s compassion and leadership, saying her action touched his heart when she first told him about the struggles of her classmates.

He commended government efforts at the national level to promote menstrual hygiene and provide sanitary products to schoolgirls but stressed that local leaders must replicate such interventions at the community level.

“The government is doing its part nationally, but we also need traditional authorities, assembly members, school heads, and community leaders to take similar steps locally. These small efforts at the lower level can make a huge difference,” he said.
Mr. Tekper emphasized that some parents’ failure to provide sanitary products for their daughters contribute to teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“When parents fail to provide such essentials, some girls end up seeking help from young men, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies or exposure to diseases. We must do better as parents,” he cautioned.

He also suggested that corporate bodies and philanthropists adopt schools and provide periodic menstrual hygiene support, saying such partnerships can reduce absenteeism among girls and boost academic performance.

Mr. Tekper urged parents to support their daughters with basic needs, especially sanitary pads, to help them focus on their education and secure a brighter future.

The Head of Academics at Halter Academy, Mr. Rockson Ofosu Nyarko Debrah, commended Tamara for her initiative, describing it as a bold and inspiring example of youth leadership.

“Her action has not only improved awareness on menstrual hygiene but also brought unity and confidence among the girls,” he said.
Mr. Debrah added that the school’s initiative should serve as a wake-up call for parents to take active interest in their children’s welfare, especially the needs of the girl child.

“Parents must not leave everything to the school. They have a key role to play in ensuring that their daughters are comfortable, confident, and supported during their menstrual periods,” he said.

He urged parents to engage their children in open conversations about menstrual health and provide them with the needed materials and encouragement to help them stay focused on their education.

The Assemblyman for Nuaso Old Town, Mr. Tetteh Isaac Nomo, popularly known as Garba, also used the opportunity to donate 50 pairs of sandals to the young male students.