By Collins Sarkodieh 
John Baidoo, CEO of Sustainable Development Focus (SUDEF) Ghana, is urging the government to abolish taxes on sanitary pads to improve affordability and access nationwide.
While he acknowledges recent government interventions as positive, he argues that tax removal is necessary to ensure every girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity regardless of her financial background.
Making these essential products more affordable will help eliminate barriers that currently prevent girls in rural and underserved communities from accessing proper hygiene supplies. Removing these costs is a critical step in supporting the health and education of adolescent girls across Ghana.
Menstrual hygiene education helps break down deeply rooted cultural taboos that often silence girls and undermine their self-confidence. By treating menstruation as a natural biological process rather than a source of shame, educators can prevent the embarrassment and low self-esteem that frequently lead to absenteeism.
During a recent event in the Ahafo Region, SUDEF Ghana provided comprehensive training to over 200 schoolgirls on personal care and self-confidence. Facilitators used practical demonstrations to teach:
- The proper, hygienic use and removal of sanitary pads.
- Safe disposal methods to maintain personal and environmental cleanliness.
- Strategies to address and overcome social pressures or common misconceptions.
Many girls previously missed classes because they lacked the basic knowledge or products needed to manage their periods without fear of ridicule. Ensuring that girls stay in school during their menstrual cycles is essential for their academic retention and overall educational success.
Georgina Valentina Asante, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator for Tano North, noted that many girls stayed home specifically to avoid the risk of staining their uniforms. With better education and access to supplies, local officials now expect to see a significant improvement in student attendance and confidence.
What infrastructure is needed for a period-friendly world?
Developing menstrual-friendly infrastructure is a key requirement for promoting privacy, hygiene, and confidence in schools. John Baidoo is calling on the government and development partners to prioritize investments in facilities that support girls during their periods.
Key infrastructure requirements identified by stakeholders include:
- The construction of clean, accessible toilets in school environments.
- The provision of dedicated, private washrooms for personal care.
- Designated changing rooms that allow girls to manage their health with dignity.
These efforts align with the global theme of creating a “Period-Friendly World” through inclusive systems. By combining policy reforms like tax abolition with infrastructure investment and sustained education, Ghana can better secure the future of the girl child and advance gender equality in education.
Also Read: Expanding Ghana’s Free Sanitary Pad Policy: Ensuring Dignity for Every Girl
Source: ghananewspage.com