The Alliance for African women Initiative, AFAWI-Ghana has launched its sexual maturation and menstrual management practices, involving school girls in Ghana.

The programme focuses specifically on public management of school girls' sexual maturation and menstrual hygiene practices.

Speaking to the Public Agenda, the programme coordinator of AFAWI-Ghana, Mr. Philip Akwasi-Agyei, said it has been observed that while many factors contribute to girls dropping out of school, the incidence of the drop out is higher around the age of puberty, suggesting that there might be a connection between girls drop out rate and the management of the complexities of puberty and sexual Maturation.

He said the age of first menstruation or menarche has reduced and that, girls are likely to have menstruation at an earlier age than did their mothers.

Mr. Akwasi Agyei also disclosed that, a preliminary survey conducted by his organization in certain selected districts in Ghana indicate that most girls are unable to stay in school at the onset of menstruation due to abdominal pain, fear of soiling themselves, change in mood and lack of water and toilet facilities.

He said the main objectives of the campaign is geared at exploring the general cultural and social practices relating to sexual maturation and menstruation, as well as to explore ways in which existing practices can be adopted or replaced to evolve positive practices and policies that support a healthy environment for girls in and around school during menstruation and educate them in this regard.