The government has officially launched the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative, a programme aimed at distributing sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the country to support their health and education.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, April 24, in Accra, with the presence of key stakeholders including ministers, policymakers, education experts, and representatives from various schools.
This intervention aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision of promoting gender equality and ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of gender or background.
President Mahama had previously emphasised the pressing need to address the barriers girls face due to menstruation. During his maiden State of the Nation Address, he underscored the importance of removing such obstacles:
The programme is expected to ease the financial burden on families, improve school attendance among girls, and enhance their overall health and well-being. By ensuring that girls have access to essential menstrual hygiene products, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Stakeholders believe the programme will significantly contribute to increased attendance and retention of girls in schools, helping to close the gender gap in education and empower young women across the country.