Let’s break period poverty

Menstruation is a natural occurrence, yet many girls in the country lack access to affordable and quality sanitary products.

This unfortunate situation often leads to some of the  girls using unhygienic materials such as leaves, rugs, grass, or even newspapers, which can cause infections and discomfort.

The phenomenon of period poverty, which affects millions of girls and women worldwide, is a significant issue that requires urgent attention.

The consequences of period poverty are far-reaching, leading to absenteeism, poor academic performance, teenage pregnancy and school dropout.

One crucial step in addressing this issue is the provision of government-sourced, locally made sanitary pads to school girls.

This initiative has numerous advantages, ranging from improved health and hygiene to enhanced educational outcomes and economic empowerment.

First and foremost, the provision of sanitary pads addresses a critical health and hygiene need for school girls.

By providing locally made sanitary pads, the government can ensure that school girls have access to a basic necessity, promoting their health, dignity and well-being.

Furthermore, the provision of sanitary pads has a direct impact on educational outcomes. Research has shown that menstrual hygiene management is a significant factor in determining school attendance and performance.

When girls lack access to sanitary products, they are more likely to miss school during their menstrual periods, leading to missed opportunities for learning and socialisation.

By providing sanitary pads, the government can help reduce absenteeism and improve academic performance, ultimately contributing to the empowerment of girls and women

Sourcing sanitary pads locally has numerous economic benefits for Ghana.

By supporting local manufacturers, the government can stimulate economic growth, create jobs and reduce reliance on imported products.

This approach promotes self-sufficiency, reduces the country's trade deficit and fosters a more sustainable economy.

Locally made sanitary pads can also be tailored to meet the unique needs of Ghanaian school girls, considering factors such as climate, culture and affordability.

This ensures that the products are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and accessible.

Moreover, government-sourced locally made sanitary pads promote gender equality by addressing the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation.

By providing sanitary pads, the government is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the unique challenges facing females, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

In fact, the government has already taken steps to support local manufacturers by announcing a zero-rate Value Added Tax (VAT) on locally produced sanitary pads for the 2024 fiscal year.

This initiative, combined with import duty waivers for raw materials, aims to make sanitary pads more affordable and accessible to girls and women.

The provision of sanitary pads is not only essential for promoting health, hygiene and education but also has a positive impact on the environment.

Locally made sanitary pads can be designed to be more environmentally friendly, utilising biodegradable materials and reducing waste.

This approach can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of sanitary products, promoting a more sustainable future for the country.

The Daily Graphic firmly believes that the provision of government-sourced locally made sanitary pads to school girls has numerous advantages.

This initiative promotes health and hygiene, improves educational outcomes, supports local economic development, promotes gender equality and reduces environmental impact.

While on the matter, it is also imperative that education and awareness which are critical in breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation are looked into.

In some societies in the country, menstruation is often shrouded in secrecy and taboo, leading to a lack of understanding and support.

Therefore, it is essential to promote education and awareness programmes that encourage open discussions about menstruation.

Furthermore, it is crucial to involve men and boys in the conversation. Menstruation is often seen as a "women's issue," but it affects everyone.

Engaging men and boys in discussions about menstruation can help break down stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding.

The Daily Graphic holds the view that provision of government-sourced locally made sanitary pads is a critical step towards promoting health, hygiene, education and environmental sustainability.

The government, education system and society as a whole must work together to address the issues surrounding menstruation, promote education and awareness, and support the development of environmentally friendly sanitary products.