In a landmark move to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce school absenteeism among adolescent girls, the government launched the Free Sanitary Pads for Girls in School policy yesterday. The initiative is a significant stride towards achieving gender equity in education and ensuring that no girl is left behind due to a natural process such as menstruation.
For years, many girls, particularly those in deprived communities, have struggled to afford sanitary products, often resorting to unsafe alternatives or missing school altogether during their periods. This policy is therefore not just a health intervention— it is a crucial step towards dismantling barriers to education and empowering young girls in Ghana.
The government deserves genuine applause for taking this bold step. It signals a clear recognition of the intersection between education, health, and gender equity. However, while the policy launch is widely celebrated, key questions still remain unanswered. This raises concerns about the initiative’s long-term viability and effectiveness.
Where Is the Implementation Plan?
One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of an articulated implementation strategy. How the policy will be rolled out in the country needs to be understood. Will there be a central distribution system, or will individual schools manage supplies? How frequently will the sanitary pads be distributed? Monthly? Quarterly? Per Term? And will the distribution account for girls with varying needs? Responses to these questions are critical to ensure the success of this initiative.
Who Funds the Initiative?
Additionally, the policy’s funding model remains vague. While the government has expressed commitment, it is unclear where the sustained financial backing for such a nationwide programme will come from. Will it be fully government-funded, and if yes, from which source? Or will there be partnerships with international donors, NGOs, or private sector players? Without a dedicated and transparent source of funding, the policy runs the risk of faltering midway. This would discredit the initiative and disillusion the girls it seeks to help.
Monitoring and Quality Assurance
Another key concern is the monitoring and evaluation of this initiative. How will the government ensure that pads reach the intended beneficiaries? What measures will be in place to prevent misuse, diversion, or corruption in the supply chain? Moreover, how will the quality of the pads be assured to meet health and safety standards?
Inclusion and Community Involvement
It is also vital that this policy includes provisions for community sensitization and education. Providing pads alone may not be enough if girls continue to face stigma or lack access to proper hygiene facilities in schools. The success of this initiative hinges on a holistic approach that includes education on menstrual hygiene management and the creation of girl-friendly sanitation infrastructure.
A Great Start, But More Clarity Needed
The Free Sanitary Pads policy is an admirable and overdue initiative that has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ghanaian girls. However, for the initiative to succeed, the government must clarify how the programme will be implemented, monitored, and funded. This will ensure transparency and accountability. Civil Society is ready to work with the government to ensure the success of this initiative to achieve SDGs 3, 4, and 5.
