Pupils in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of Central Region have made a heartfelt appeal to the government to provide free sanitary pads, citing the high cost of the products and the negative impact on their education.
According to the pupils, the cost of providing free sanitary pads would be significantly lower than the cost of implementing the Free SHS program, which was introduced in 2017.
Speaking during the International Menstrual Hygiene Day, the pupils said they often miss school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of sanitary pads. Some even resort to exchanging sex for pads when their parents cannot afford to buy them.
“We want the government to provide free sanitary pads like they did with free senior high school and school feeding programs,” said one pupil.
The Girl Child Coordinator, Madam Lydia Essuon, noted that over 600 sanitary pads have been distributed to basic schools in the district. She urged parents to support their daughters during menstruation and appealed to the government to reduce taxes on sanitary pads to make them more accessible.
The District Education Director, Madam Sabina Aba Wilson, advised pupils to abstain from exchanging sex for pads and encouraged them to feel comfortable attending school during their menstrual periods.
The pupils’ appeal highlights the challenges many girls face in accessing menstrual hygiene products, and the need for greater support to ensure their education and well-being.
