Breaking the Stigma: A Day on the Field with Daakye Nti Onua Do Neye Foundation

Breaking the Stigma: A Day on the Field with Daakye Nti Onua Do Neye Foundation

Breaking the Stigma: A Day on the Field with Daakye Nti Onua Do Neye Foundation

The sun was bright, the air was fresh, and the field at Asikasu Odumase Methodist School buzzed with an unusual energy. Young girls, dressed in their colorful sportswear, gathered in small groups, giggling and chatting. It wasn’t just another day of school—it was a special event organized by the Daakye Nti Onua Do Neye Foundation to teach them about healthy menstrual practices in a fun and engaging way.

The foundation, known for its dedication to empowering girls, had decided to shake things up. “Menstrual health isn’t just about pads and hygiene,” said Auntie Abena, one of the facilitators. “It’s also about taking care of your body, staying active, and feeling strong.” And what better way to teach that than through exercise?

The girls started with simple stretches, led by a young fitness instructor named Coach Kwame. “Alright, ladies, arms up! Stretch for the stars!” he shouted, his playful energy making the girls laugh as they reached for the sky. Even those who were shy at first couldn’t help but join in.

After the warm-up, the girls moved into more structured activities. There were jumping jacks, squats, and even a short relay race. “Exercising helps reduce cramps during your period,” Auntie Abena explained, pausing in between activities to sprinkle in bits of education. “It also boosts your mood—so no more feeling down just because it’s that time of the month!”

As the girls jogged around the field, they asked questions they’d always been too embarrassed to ask in class. “Why do some girls have heavier flows?” one asked. “Is it normal to feel tired?” another chimed in. Auntie Abena and the other facilitators answered every question with care, breaking down myths and encouraging the girls to see menstruation as a normal, healthy part of life.

To make the session even more exciting, the foundation had brought along a surprise: a giant parachute. The girls squealed with excitement as they took turns holding the edges and creating massive waves of color. As they worked together to keep the parachute moving, Auntie Abena reminded them, “Just like this, we need to support each other. Menstruation isn’t something to hide or be ashamed of. Talk to your friends, your teachers, or your aunties when you need help.”

By the end of the day, the girls were sweaty, tired, but glowing with pride. Each one received a small gift bag from the foundation, which included sanitary pads, deodorant, and an illustrated guide on menstrual health.

As they walked back to their classrooms, one of the girls, Ama, turned to her friend and said, “You know, I used to feel embarrassed about my period. But now I feel strong—like it’s just another part of being a woman.”

And that was exactly the goal of the day. Through exercise, open conversations, and a lot of laughter, the Daakye Nti Onua Do Neye Foundation had not only taught the girls about menstrual health but also helped them embrace it with confidence and pride.

That day, the field wasn’t just a space for running or playing—it became a safe haven where young girls learned that their bodies were powerful, beautiful, and nothing to be ashamed of. 🌸