Access to sanitary pads is a basic necessity for girls and women around the world. However, in many low socio-economic communities, teen girls face immense challenges in affording these essential products, leading to the use of unhygienic materials and products during menstruation.
The consequences of this lack of access are far-reaching, affecting girls’ education, health, and overall well-being. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Girls Shall Grow, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Obuasi and other Non-Governmental Organizations, has established a Pad Bank in Obuasi, Ghana. This initiative aims to provide free sanitary pads to girls from deprived homes, ensuring they can manage their menstruation with dignity.
The Pad Bank Launch
On the 26th of May, the Pad Bank was officially launched at Obuasi Secondary Technical School, coinciding with World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The collaborative efforts of Girls Shall Grow, the Rotary Club of Obuasi, the Self-Love Foundation, and Gold City Mummies resulted in the establishment of this significant initiative. Rtn. Delphine Gborgblorvor, a member of the Rotary Club, explained that the primary objective of the Pad Bank is to make sanitary pads accessible to girls who cannot afford them during menstruation.
Challenges Faced by Girls in Ghana
In Ghana, sanitary pads are subjected to a 20% import tax and a 12.5% value-added tax, making them expensive for girls from average Ghanaian households to access. The financial burden of purchasing sanitary pads contributes to negative impacts on girls’ health, education, and overall well-being. Recognizing these difficulties, the Rotary Club of Obuasi joined forces with local NGOs to establish the Pad Bank, providing a centralized location where individuals, groups, and organizations can donate sanitary pads to be distributed to vulnerable girls.
Government Intervention and Support
Louisa Amoah, the Executive Director of Girls Shall Grow, emphasized the importance of government intervention in ensuring that sanitary pads are accessible to girls, particularly those from deprived communities. Amoah called on the government to reduce taxes on sanitary materials, which would make them more affordable for girls in need. Additionally, she suggested that the government should consider introducing free sanitary pads, similar to its efforts in making education accessible through the supply of free textbooks and learning materials.
Impact and Appreciation
The collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Obuasi, Girls Shall Grow, and the other NGOs resulted in the distribution of free sanitary pads to over 500 students during the launch event at Obuasi Secondary-Technical School. The initiative not only provided immediate relief to the girls but also served as an opportunity to educate them on safe and hygienic menstruation practices. Participants expressed their appreciation for the gesture and called on the government to support them further by providing free sanitary materials.
Conclusion
Girls Shall Grow’s contribution to establishing the Pad Bank in Obuasi, Ghana, has brought attention to the urgent need for accessible and affordable sanitary pads for girls in low socio-economic communities. By collaborating with NGOs and the Rotary Club, Girls Shall Grow has taken a significant step towards empowering girls and ensuring they can manage their menstruation with dignity. It is imperative for governments, organizations, and individuals to rally behind such initiatives, working collectively to eliminate the barriers that prevent girls from fully participating in education and society as a whole. Access to sanitary pads should be a fundamental right, and together we can create a future where all girls have the resources they need to thrive.