The Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG), in collaboration with Lexta Ghana, commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 through educational and outreach activities across several regions of Ghana. The activities focused on promoting menstrual hygiene, addressing myths and stigma surrounding menstruation, and improving access to menstrual hygiene products among schoolgirls and young people.
The national launch was held at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region and featured an engaging student debate on whether boys and girls should receive the same menstrual hygiene education. The participation of boys in the debate reinforced the importance of involving males in menstrual health education and promoting supportive attitudes towards menstruating girls and women.
The activities also included the distribution of sanitary pads to students and a “Fastest Pad Wearer Challenge”. Approximately 1,300 students were reached in the Ashanti Region.
Regional Outreach
In addition to the national launch, MWAG members conducted menstrual hygiene education and sanitary pad distribution activities in several regions across Ghana.
Region
Number of Students Reached
Northern Region (NR)-300
Greater Accra Region (GAR)-600
Brong Ahafo Region (BAR)-300
Central Region (CR)-500
Western Region (WR)-200
Volta Region (VR)-200
Total Regional Outreach
2,100
In addition to these regional figures, approximately 1,300 students were reached during activities in the Ashanti Region, bringing the reported total reach to approximately 3,400 students across the activities documented above.
Key Outcomes
The World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 activities achieved several important objectives:
Increased awareness: Students received education on appropriate menstrual hygiene practices and menstrual health.
Improved access to sanitary products: Free sanitary pads were distributed to students, helping to address some of the challenges associated with menstrual product accessibility.
Involvement of boys: The debate demonstrated the importance of including boys in menstrual hygiene education. Educating boys can help reduce stigma, improve understanding and promote supportive attitudes towards menstruating girls and women.
Community engagement: The interactive activities, including the debate and fastest pad wearer challenge, encouraged active student participation and made the educational sessions engaging and memorable.
Nationwide reach: MWAG members extended the campaign beyond the national launch to several regions across Ghana, demonstrating the Association's commitment to improving menstrual health and hygiene education nationally.
REPORT OF MWAG HOSTS PRESIDENT OF MEDICAL WOMEN ASSOCIATION OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – 30TH JUNE 2026
The Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG) hosted the President of the Medical Women Association of Côte d’Ivoire on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at the Maxillofacial Unit Conference Room, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both associations to exchange experiences, discuss challenges affecting participation and visibility, and explore ways of strengthening collaboration among medical women within the region.
The discussion highlighted the importance of encouraging active participation among members while continuing to implement meaningful programmes. Preparations for upcoming international conferences were also discussed, with emphasis on early planning to facilitate effective participation.
As a symbol of friendship, unity and solidarity, MWAG presented its official lapel pin to the President of the Côte d’Ivoire Association. The visit concluded on a positive note, with both associations expressing their appreciation for the engagement and their desire for continued collaboration.
REPORT ON THE CROSS IT OUT HIGH SCHOOL TOUR AND CAMPAIGN LAUNCH – 27TH JUNE 2026
The Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG), in partnership with Lexta Ghana and MXM, participated in the Cross It Out High School Tour and Campaign Launch held at Krobo Girls Senior High School in the Eastern Region on 27 June 2026.
Held under the theme “Awareness, Mentorship, Action,” the programme provided an important platform for health education, mentorship and youth empowerment. Dr OKZ Adams, National Secretary of MWAG, delivered a keynote presentation on health checks, menstrual hygiene and general wellbeing, encouraging students to adopt healthy lifestyles and take responsibility for their health.
The programme also featured sessions on the effects of drug use on health and talent, as well as mental health and resilience. Students were provided with sanitary pads and snacks, while an interactive panel discussion gave them the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speakers.
The programme successfully brought together education, mentorship and practical support, leaving students better informed and encouraged to make healthier and more responsible choices.
LAUNCH OF THE MWAG GAR–MENTOR PLEXUS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR – 3RD JULY 2026
The MWAG Greater Accra Region, in collaboration with Mentor Plexus, officially launched the inaugural cohort of the Women’s Leadership Accelerator on Friday, 3 July 2026, at the Charles Easmon Building, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The six-month programme is designed to provide intentional mentorship and leadership development for women doctors. The launch brought together approximately 100 participants, comprising 70 mentees, 19 mentors/lady doctors and 10 WONCOM organisers.
The programme featured inspiring presentations and discussions on leadership, purpose, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital voice and professional presence spearheded by MWAG-GAR president Dr Gifty Sumkwa-Mills. Participants were encouraged to look beyond traditional clinical roles, identify opportunities for broader impact and develop authentic leadership identities.
A major highlight was the mentor breakout session, during which mentees met their assigned mentors, discussed expectations, established communication plans and scheduled mentoring sessions. Each mentee also signed a commitment pledge and articulated her personal leadership aspiration.
The launch marked the beginning of a significant leadership journey aimed at equipping and empowering women doctors to become confident, purpose-driven leaders who will contribute meaningfully to healthcare, their professions and their communities.
MWAG HOSTS PRESIDENT OF MWIA – 21ST JULY 2026
The Medical Women Association of Ghana, under the leadership of the National President, Dr RNAT Dawson, had the honour of hosting Dr Amany Asfour, International President of the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA), at the Gold Coast Restaurant and Lounge in Accra on 21 July 2026.
The gathering brought together 12 lady doctors, including Professor Afua Hesse, a Past President of MWIA. Dr Amany Asfour engaged warmly with members, listening to their views, experiences and recommendations on how MWIA could become more responsive, inclusive and better connected with lady doctors across the various regions.
The engagement provided a valuable platform for dialogue, collaboration and shared reflection on the advancement of women in medicine. Professor Afua Hesse also shared from her wealth of experience and encouraged members to remain committed while expressing confidence in the existing leadership.
As a gesture of goodwill and appreciation, the MWIA President presented souvenirs from Egypt to the lady doctors in attendance. MWAG expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr Amany Asfour for her visit and for taking the time to engage meaningfully with members.
CONCLUSION
The period from April to July 2026 has been another productive and impactful period for the Medical Women Association of Ghana. Through health education, community outreach, strategic partnerships, mentorship and leadership development, MWAG has continued to demonstrate its commitment to improving women’s health and strengthening the professional and personal development of women in medicine.
The World Menstrual Hygiene Day activities and the Cross It Out campaign reflected MWAG’s commitment to empowering young people with accurate health information and practical support. The engagements with the Medical Women Association of Côte d’Ivoire and the International President of MWIA further strengthened opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and international networking.
The launch of the MWAG GAR–Mentor Plexus Women’s Leadership Accelerator represents an important investment in the next generation of women leaders in medicine. Together, these activities reflect an Association that continues to grow in reach, partnerships and impact while remaining responsive to the needs of its members and the communities it serves.
MWAG remains committed to deepening its engagement, strengthening partnerships and creating meaningful opportunities for women doctors and young people. As the Association moves forward, it will continue to build on these achievements and work collectively towards its vision of advancing women’s health and empowering women in medicine, both nationally and internationally.
Submitted by:
Dr. OKZ Adams
National Secretary
Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG)
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- Fig 1. MWAG Members and President of Medical Women Association of Cote D’Ivoire on her visit at Korle Bu Teaching hospital . Accra- Ghana
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- Fig 2. Commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day by MWAG-CR after distribution of sanitary pads to students.
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- Fig 3. PICTURE OF MWAG-GAR at the launch of the MWAG-GAR Mentorship Programme. Captured are excited mentors and mentees ably lead by the MWAG-GAR president- Dr Gifty Sumkwa Mills.
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- Fig 4. MWAG lead by National president, Dr RNAT Dawson host MWIA president, Dr Amany Asfour at Gold Coast restaurant. In attendance is MWIA PP Prof Afua Hesse.
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- Fig 5. MWIA President ; Dr Amany Asfour hosted DR Mary Amaokoh-Coleman-IPP MWAG and Dr OKZ Adams – MWAG secretary in Cairo during their visit.
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- Fig 6.MWAG secretary demonstrating how to wear a pad at the cross it out school tour launch at Krobo girls.
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- Fig 7. Dr RNAT Dawson- MWAG president and MWIA President – Dr Amany Asfour during her visit to Accra at Gold Coast restaurant.