Navigating Menstrual Taboo: Challenges and Consequences for Adolescent Girls Aged 12–17 in Ghana’s Offin River Communities

This study explores the impact of menstrual taboos on adolescent girls aged 12–17 in Ghana's Offin River communities, focusing on the Adansi South District and Upper Denkyira East Municipality. Conducted by the Department of Children under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, it aims to assess the socio-economic effects of these taboos and the strategies addressing them. Fieldwork involved key informant interviews with 40 participants, including 30 adolescent girls and 10 community members, government officials and non-government representatives. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The study highlights how menstrual taboos disrupt girls' education by increasing absenteeism, lowering academic performance and restricting their social and economic participation. While boys face no such barriers, girls must navigate cultural restrictions that hinder their mobility and opportunities. To tackle these challenges, interventions such as fact-finding missions, community education, infrastructure development and policy advocacy have been implemented. However, gaps remain, particularly in resource allocation and shifting deep-rooted cultural beliefs. To mitigate these challenges, public education campaigns utilising traditional and religious leaders' influence are essential. Infrastructure improvements, such as building schools and bridges, and policy measures promoting menstrual equity through education and access to sanitary products, are critical. These interventions are key to overcoming menstrual taboos, ensuring gender equity and empowering adolescent girls.