The Women’s Commissioner of the University of Ghana’s Students’ Representative Council (UGSRC), Antoinette Opoku, has outlined her office’s initiatives to raise awareness about vaginal health among students.
In an interview on the Ladies Point show on Radio Univers, she discussed the Hall Invasion initiative, which aims to educate students on proper feminine hygiene practices and the risks associated with using unapproved feminine products.
She highlighted the positive response from students following the distribution of disinfectants in the traditional halls, emphasizing the importance of starting with these halls due to their shared washroom facilities. She also revealed plans to extend the initiative to the diaspora halls, hostels on the northern campus, and the city campus.
“The use of certain feminine products can have long-term effects, including fertility issues. Our goal is to create awareness and educate students, particularly those in traditional halls where shared facilities increase hygiene risks. The first phase of the initiative received positive feedback, and we plan to expand to other residential facilities across campus.”

Despite the ambition to reach all students, Antoinette cited financial constraints as a major challenge in executing the initiative. She explained that the lack of sponsorship forced the team to roll out the program in phases.
“The main challenge is financial constraints, which forced the disinfectant initiative to be carried out in phases. Despite efforts to secure sponsorship, no responses have been received.”
The women’s commissioner has unveiled Pad a Girl as the next initiative under her office, specifically designed to support female students with special needs with sanitary pads.
“This initiative is solely for female special needs students. Our goal is to assist the most vulnerable by providing them with sanitary pads. We want them to feel included and know that they are valued members of our community.”
The vaginal health initiative seeks to educate female students at the University of Ghana on safe feminine hygiene practices while providing them with essential products such as disinfectants and sanitary pads.
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Story by: Wilhemina Naa Momo Nii-Moi | univers.ug.edu.gh