THE CHALLENGES OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS SEXUAL MATURATION TO EDUCATIONAL PARITY IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

This paper examines the links between sexual maturation and menstrual management and dropout and attendance among adolescent girls in Ghana using the four northern regions as a case study. It focus was to examine specifically public management of school girl’s sexual maturation and menstrual hygiene practices and how these affect school dropout and attendance. A multi-site survey was conducted using Purposive, simple random, accidental sampling technique to select the respondents and via that questionnaire and interview guide were used for the data. Northern Ghana was defined to coincide with the four northernmost regions comprising Northern, Brong Ahafo, and Upper East Regions of Ghana. The study revealed that while many factors contribute to girls dropping out of school, the incidence of the drop out is high around the age of puberty suggesting that, there is a connection between girls’ dropout rate and the management of the complexities of puberty and maturation. Although not all beliefs are reflected in practices, in many places cultural and religious beliefs prevent girls from participating in worship, sex, domestic chores, dropout, attendance and many social activities, most of these restrictions reflect the mistaken belief that menstruation is unclean and therefore a menstruating girl should limit her contact with others. Given that menstruation can cause inconvenience and pain, and limit women activities, it is not surprising that many girls see menstruation as discomfort and not a sickness, and does prevent some of them from attending school during this period and this widens the gap in education achievement. The onset of menstruation during puberty evokes general negative reaction perhaps because many girls are not prepared ahead for it on time, though majority are aware that it is a normal part of growing up and that it is preceded by other changes in their bodies. Many manage the flow but the items used are more often than unhygienic, this is as a result of poverty. Education, institution of meaningful programs, provision of adequate sanitary facilities, might be enough to change the attitude of girls about sexual maturation menstrual management practices since here is no policy that debars menstruated girls from attending school or being asked to be withdrawn from school.