Period Poverty in Ghana: How Lack of Access to Menstrual Products is Derailing Girls' Futures
Introduction
In Ghana, menstruation remains a silent crisis. While it is a natural biological process, thousands of girls face humiliation, missed education, and health risks simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. This is period poverty—the inability to access menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education.
At JF Ithand Firm Care Foundation, we are fighting to break the stigma and ensure every Ghanaian girl can manage her period with dignity. This blog explores the harsh realities of period poverty in Ghana, its devastating effects, and how we can create lasting change.
The State of Period Poverty in Ghana
1. Education Under Threat
- • 1 in 5 Ghanaian girls misses school during their period due to lack of pads (UNICEF Ghana, 2023)
- • Some girls lose up to 20% of the school year, falling behind in academics (Plan International, 2022)
- • Teachers report that girls drop out after puberty, especially in rural areas (Ghana Education Service, 2023)
2. Health Risks from Unsafe Alternatives
When pads are unaffordable, girls resort to:
3. Deep-Rooted Stigma & Shame
- • 58% of Ghanaian girls feel ashamed to discuss menstruation (Women in Law & Development Africa, 2023)
- • Myths like "menstruating girls are unclean" prevent them from social and religious activities
- • Many mothers never had proper menstrual education themselves, perpetuating the cycle of silence
Why Hasn't This Been Solved?
Despite efforts, key barriers remain:
High Cost of Pads
A single pack costs more than a day's wage for many families
Poor School Sanitation
Many lack private toilets, water, or disposal bins
Lack of Government Policy
Ghana still taxes menstrual products at about 20%
How JF Ithand Firm Care Foundation is Fighting Back
1. Confidence Kit for Kid Ghana Initiative
- ✅Distribute 10,000+ free pads to schoolgirls in rural communities
- ✅Provide reusable pads that last 2 years - sustainable & cost-effective
- ✅Conduct workshops on proper use & hygiene to reduce infections
2. Policy Advocacy
- ✅Advocate to remove all taxes on menstrual products
- ✅Push for girl-friendly policies in schools
3. Building Girl-Friendly School Facilities
- ✅Install gender-separated toilets with water access
- ✅Provide safe disposal systems
- ✅Partner with schools for sustainable solutions
4. Community Sensitization Programs
- ✅Engage men & boys to end stigma
- ✅Train teachers to support menstruating girls
- ✅Educate communities about menstrual health
How YOU Can Help
Donate
Help provide underprivileged girls with menstrual kits
Volunteer
Join our school education campaigns
Advocate
Sign our petition to #EndTaxOnPads in Ghana
"When a girl misses school because of her period, we all lose. Her potential is Ghana's future."
Success Stories
📌 Ama's Story:
"Before free pads, I used rags and missed school every month. Now, I haven't missed a class this year!"
📌 Akosua's Story:
"I never felt comfortable among my colleagues during menstruation, due to how they treated me and it caused me to lose my self-esteem because I couldn't take proper care of myself. But now I can even fly among them, after your education and free menstrual kits. God bless Ithand foundation, we are forever grateful."
📢 Join the Movement!
📩 Email: info.care@jfithand.net
📱 Follow: @jf Ithand firm care foundation on all our social platforms
Want to sponsor a school's menstrual health program? Contact us today.
Let's ensure no Ghanaian girl suffers in silence again. 💙
References
- 1. UNICEF Ghana (2023). Menstrual Hygiene in Schools Report.
- 2. Ghana Education Service (2023). Girl-Child Education Barriers.
- 3. WHO Ghana (2023). Reproductive Health & Hygiene.
- 4. Plan International (2022). Education Access for Girls.
- 5. Women in Law & Development Africa (2023). Menstrual Health Survey.