As the world marks International Women’s Day, the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) has called on the government to include in its yet-to-be-presented budget, the Free Sanitary Products policy announced during the 2024 election campaign period.
The National Women’s Commissioner at the Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG), Loretta Naa Dei Ashie reminded the John Mahama-led NDC government of its 120-day promise to provide sanitary products for girls across the country.
Naa Dei Ashie emphasized that the struggle to access sanitary pads is a harsh reality for many, with prices being unaffordable for many families.
Speaking in Wa on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the campus of the SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day, she lamented the high cost of a packet of sanitary pads which exceed the minimum wage.
This, she reveals, “forces many girls to use unhygienic alternatives, leading to infections, or even sell sex to afford these basic necessities”.
She stressed that menstruation is a biological process and not a luxury, making it a social responsibility to provide girls with free and dignified access to sanitary products.
“I urge the Finance Minister to include this in the upcoming budget, ensuring that girls can attend school with dignity and without the burden of unaffordable sanitary products,” she empathetically stated.
This call to action is particularly significant in Ghana, where an estimated 9 out of 10 girls regularly miss school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to menstrual products and period shaming.
Dr Rita Udor, a lecturer at the SDD University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS), Faculty of Integrated Development Studies (FIDS) emphasized the crucial role women play in national development, stressing their contributions must be recognized and valued.
Dr Udor cited various reasons why women’s participation is essential for national development, including better governance, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
She also highlighted the need for policies and laws that promote gender equality, as well as economic empowerment and skill development for women.
Furthermore, the lecturer emphasized the importance of combating gender-based violence, which hinders women’s ability to reach their full potential.
Ida Nakaar, an International Development Practitioner, admonished girls to have a purpose and principles to guide the purpose.
“If you don’t have the guiding principles, at the end of the day, you will not achieve anything,” she stated.
Madam Nakaar added that confidence should always be part of their daily dress code to complement their activities.
This year’s event was under the theme: “Accelerating Women’s Participation for National Growth”.
By Ibrahim Wangara
