By Ashiadey Dotse
Minister-designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for urgent discussions on making sanitary pads more accessible and affordable to adolescent girls who are underprivileged, especially in rural areas, due to their inability to purchase pads, when she was asked about her plans to address the issue.
Ms. Lartey explained that many girls, particularly in rural areas, are unable to afford sanitary pads, forcing them to miss school during menstruation.
This situation, she said during her vetting at parliament on January 22, 2025, makes girls more vulnerable to exploitation, as some rely on men who provide sanitary pads in exchange for favours. She highlighted the link between poverty and such vulnerabilities, emphasising the need for immediate solutions.
“Families often have to choose between buying food or sanitary pads,” she said. “In most cases, they will prioritise food because it is essential for survival.”
Ms. Lartey proposed that the government work toward removing taxes on sanitary pads to make them more affordable. In the meantime, she suggested creating a budget to distribute free sanitary pads to girls from low-income families. She stressed that menstrual hygiene is a biological issue affecting everyone, directly or indirectly, and requires urgent action.
The nominee assured the committee that if given the opportunity, she would prioritise support for underprivileged girls, ensuring they have access to sanitary products to reduce their vulnerability and help them stay in school.
