The Upper East Women Wing of the governing New Patriotic Party Party led by Madam Georgina Ayamba has added her voice to the ongoing controversial remark made by a Menstrual Hygiene Advocate Rita Etornam Sey on 3FM and subsequently on GTV.
The NPP Regional Women Wing condemned such remarks; “We would like to clarify and dismiss the inaccurate claim suggesting that girls from northern Ghana use clay as a substitute for sanitary pads. In the two separate interviews, Ms Etornam stated, “I tell myself I have seen poverty until I went to the North, the girls use clay as a substitute for sanitary pads.”
However, as they call on Ms Etornam to redeem herself by offering some clarity to her statement, Madam Ayamba said, they wish to lend their voice in advocating for evidence-based approaches that empower girls and women, promote access to safe and affordable menstrual products, and encourage the adoption of sustainable menstrual hygiene management practices.
“We invite individuals, organizations, and the general public to engage in constructive conversations about menstrual hygiene. By promoting accurate information and combating misconceptions, we can work together towards achieving a society where every woman and girl can manage their menstruation with dignity, comfort, and confidence”.
Meanwhile, responding to the earlier published response of the Upper East Regional Women Organizer on the clay pad controversy, the NPP Regional Women Organizer said, they strongly, in a related development condemn the Upper East Regional Women Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fawzia Abagnabama Yakubu for attempting to exploit the issue for political gain.
According to the NPP Regional Women leader, “It is deeply disappointing to witness someone in her position of influence using a sensitive topic for political advantage”.
Kindly read the full statement below:
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY
UPPER EAST REGIONAL WOMEN’S SECRETARIAT
28/05/23
For Immediate Release
CLARIFYING MISINFORMATION: DISMISSING THE INACCURATE CLAIM ABOUT CLAY SUBSTITUTES FOR SANITARY PADS AND NDC’s UNDUE POLITICAL ADVANTAGE
In response to recent remarks made by a Menstrual Hygiene Advocate, Rita Etornam Sey on 3FM and subsequently on GTV, we would like to clarify and dismiss the inaccurate claim suggesting that girls from northern Ghana use clay as a substitute for sanitary pads. In the two separate interviews, Ms Etornam stated, “I tell myself I have seen poverty until I went to the North, the girls use clay as substitute for sanitary pads.”
The regional women wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would always want to promote accurate information and dispel myths on the empowerment of Women and the Girl Child which Menstrual Hygiene Practices is no exception as Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate ‘2023 International Menstrual Hygiene Day’.
Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women’s health and well-being, and it is imperative that discussions around this topic are based on accurate and reliable information. Unfortunately, the claim made by the Menstrual Hygiene Advocate lacks substantiated evidence and has been met with justifiable criticism from various sections of the public.
Since the story broke, we have taken the pain to conduct an extensive research and on-the-ground initiatives; we have found no credible evidence to support the assertion that girls from northern Ghana resort to using clay as an alternative to sanitary pads. This claim not only lacks factual basis but also perpetuates stereotypes and engenders negative perceptions about us from the north. Ms Etonam’s comments are condemnable and not deserving of an advocate. Same must be said of the networks that granted her the space to spew such untruths.
While we call on Ms Etornam to redeem herself by offering some clarity to her statement, we wish to lend our voice in advocating for evidence-based approaches that empower girls and women, promote access to safe and affordable menstrual products, and encourage the adoption of sustainable menstrual hygiene management practices. We invite individuals, organizations, and the general public to engage in constructive conversations about menstrual hygiene. By promoting accurate information and combating misconceptions, we can work together towards achieving a society where every woman and girl can manage their menstruation with dignity, comfort, and confidence.
We strongly, in a related development condemn the Upper East Regional Women Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fawzia Abagnabama Yakubu for attempting to exploit the issue for political gain. In a statement to criticize ‘clay pad’ comments, madam Yakubu sort to take undue advantage over the unfortunate public discourse and called on “government to either consider the current tax rate on sanitary pads or use the tax exemption law to exempt taxes on sanitary pads”, a request she and her party never thought of when in government.
It is deeply disappointing to witness someone in her position of influence using a sensitive topic for political advantage. Menstrual hygiene is a crucial matter that demands tactful discourse and genuine efforts to address the challenges faced by women and girls. Such actions undermine the progress made by various stakeholders in supporting menstrual health. The Government of Ghana remains resolute in managing the country in a manner that benefits all its citizens. Exploiting the issue of menstrual hygiene for political favours does not only detracts from the real needs of girls but also disrespects their dignity and undermines their right to access proper menstrual care. We urge all political actors to approach women’s health issues with sensitivity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to serving the best interests of the people.
Signed
Georgina Ayamba
Upper East Regional Women Organizer- NPP
