The girl-friendly latrine at Sagadugu
Plan International Ghana’s girl-friendly latrine, constructed in Sagadugu in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region, has encouraged teenage girls to remain in school.
Plan International Ghana has provided children especially girls in 20 Schools access to improved sanitary facilities on their school compound which has kept them in school.
Plan International Ghana has also distributed 3,000 reusable sanitary pads to girls and young women in project communities, helping to reduce financial barriers related to menstrual hygiene management.
The girl-friendly latrines also include changing rooms, enhancing the overall experience for female students.
Project Coordinator for the Integrated Package for Community Sustainable Development (IPADEV), Esther Otoo, noted that many girls previously had to walk long distances home to change during their menstrual periods, often resulting in missed classes.
She noted that the girl-friendly latrines have not only improved enrollment among girls but have also enhanced teaching and learning activities.
“When girls are menstruating, they now feel comfortable staying in class because there is a facility where they can change. This has boosted their morale and encouraged them to learn and fulfill their potential,” she said.
Abass Mubashira, a participant, thanked Plan International Ghana for the girl-friendly latrine noting its positive impact on her education.
“Before this facility was built, my classmates and I had to walk long distances to our homes to change or find a secluded area in the bush. We sometimes faced dangers from snakes and other animals while doing so,” she stated.
FROM Eric Kombat, Sagadugu