Mini Evaluation Report: Kwaakuri, Ghana Session 1b

By Marie Pierre

The ASK4Girls Club held Session 1B on February 17, 2023, in Kwaakuri, Ghana. Fifteen girls between the ages of 10 and 13 participated in various activities to learn about the importance of their menstrual cycles and how to maintain proper hygiene. The girls also had the opportunity to create menstrual bracelets to help them keep track of their menstrual cycles. Throughout the session, they recited the ASK4Girls pledge to show their dedication to taking control of their future and achieving their aspirations. Data was also collected during the session.

During their first activity, the young women participated in an educational program called "ABCS of Being a Girl," which aimed to teach them about puberty and the physical changes their bodies would undergo. This activity helped them understand how hormones affect their bodies, and they also learned that menstruation is a natural process that shouldn't be a source of embarrassment. By fostering a stigma-free environment, the program encouraged open discussions about menstruation, and the young women were left with a better understanding and appreciation of the physical changes that come with puberty.

During the next couple of activities, the girls were taught about the significance of menstrual bracelets and their colors. They were given green, yellow, and red beads to make bracelets representing various stages of their menstrual cycle. The girls learned about the importance of each color, such as green signifying ovulation and yellow symbolizing hormones. This knowledge will enable them to keep track of their menstrual cycles more precisely, boosting their confidence when attending school. The girls used pre-cut elastic strings and beads to create a 28-day cycle, and they learned that a charm could help them prepare for cramps or their period. Overall, the activity was a great success, empowering the girls with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their menstrual health.

The girls' workshop was a great success despite facing challenges during their surveys. Madam Dorcas, the headmistress, praised the positive impact of the ASK4Girls Club on the girls in the community. The program provides a supportive environment for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them valuable resources and information that may not be easily accessible. This helps to level the playing field and provides them with equal opportunities.