Menstrual Equity At Risk: Examining The Consequences Of High Taxes On Sanitary Pads For Basic School Girls In Ghana

In numerous regions around the world, including Ghana, menstrual equity emerges as a pressing issue that profoundly impacts the lives of countless girls. The implications of high taxes on sanitary pads for girls attending basic school in Ghana are extensive and significant. When taxes inflate the cost of sanitary pads, it places an additional financial burden on families with limited resources, making these essential products less affordable. Consequently, girls and their families encounter difficulties in obtaining sufficient sanitary pads, resulting in substantial challenges in effectively managing menstruation.

First and foremost, the repercussions of high taxes on sanitary pads in Ghana particularly harm girls attending basic school, jeopardizing the achievement of menstrual equity. These taxes drive up the price of sanitary pads, making them less affordable for families with limited financial means. As a result, girls and their families face difficulties accessing an adequate supply of sanitary pads, leading to various adverse consequences.

One of the primary consequences is the frequent absence of girls from school due to the lack of access to affordable sanitary pads. To avoid the embarrassment and discomfort associated with inadequate menstrual hygiene management, girls often choose to stay home during their menstrual periods. Such absences have a detrimental impact on their educational progress and overall academic performance.

The unaffordability of sanitary pads forces girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives, increasing the risk of infections such as urinary tract infections and reproductive tract infections. These health issues can have lasting implications for their well-being and reproductive health.

Moreover, the inability to effectively manage menstruation due to high taxes on sanitary pads contributes to feelings of shame and embarrassment among girls. The associated stigma leads to decreased self-esteem, social isolation, and psychological distress.

High taxes on sanitary pads perpetuate gender inequality by placing an additional burden on girls. Menstruation is a natural process, and the unaffordability resulting from taxes disproportionately affects girls, hindering their full participation in school activities and social life.

The lack of access to sanitary pads hampers girls' ability to reach their full potential. It undermines their academic performance, diminishes their prospects of academic success, pursuing higher education, and seizing career opportunities.

Furthermore, when sanitary pads become prohibitively expensive due to taxes, some families prioritize other essential needs over purchasing them for their daughters.

This leads to increased dropout rates among girls as they struggle to manage menstruation effectively without access to affordable sanitary pads. Dropping out of school carries long-term consequences for their future prospects and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Additionally, inadequate access to sanitary pads compels girls to resort to unhygienic materials or even forgo attending school altogether during their menstrual periods. This disrupts their education, exacerbates educational disparities between girls and boys, and impedes their full participation and engagement in classroom activities.

Insufficient menstrual hygiene management resulting from unaffordable sanitary pads also contributes to poor hygiene practices. Girls may resort to reusing unsanitary materials or opting for unhygienic alternatives, thereby increasing the risk of infections, skin irritations, and other health issues. These health problems affect their overall well-being and hinder their ability to concentrate and perform well in school.

Furthermore, girls who cannot afford sanitary pads often experience social stigma and shame associated with menstruation. This has a negative impact on their self- esteem, mental health, and social interactions. The prevailing stigma surrounding menstruation further perpetuates harmful cultural beliefs and practices, marginalizing girls and limiting their participation in various aspects of society.

By reinforcing existing gender disparities, high taxes on sanitary pads perpetuate gender inequality. This disproportionate burden on girls hinders their ability to fully participate in education. Menstruation is a natural process that should not impede girls' access to education and opportunities. However, the financial strain resulting from high taxes exacerbates gender disparities and curtails girls' potential for personal and professional growth.

In order to alleviate the effects above, the government should consider reducing or eliminating taxes on sanitary pads to make them more affordable for all. This would alleviate the financial burden on families with limited resources and ensure that girls have access to essential menstrual hygiene products. Advocacy efforts and policy reforms can be undertaken to promote tax reduction or exemption specifically for sanitary pads.

Governments can introduce subsidies or price controls on sanitary pads to make them more affordable. This can involve providing financial assistance to manufacturers or retailers to lower the cost of sanitary pads or setting maximum prices to prevent excessive price hikes. These measures would enable families to purchase sanitary pads at a reduced cost, making them more accessible to girls in need.

Schools play a crucial role in addressing the issue of unaffordable sanitary pads. Governments and educational institutions should allocate resources to supply free sanitary pads to girls in schools. This ensures that girls can manage their menstruation without financial constraints and reduces the likelihood of absenteeism and academic disruptions. Collaborations with NGOs and private sector companies can help provide the necessary resources for this initiative.

Efforts should be made to improve the availability and accessibility of sanitary pads, particularly in rural areas and low-income communities. Governments can establish distribution networks, partner with local NGOs or community organizations, and make sanitary pads available in public spaces such as schools, health centers, or community centers. This ensures that girls have easy access to sanitary pads when needed, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic background.

Encouraging local production of sanitary pads can help reduce costs and increase availability. Governments can provide incentives or support to local manufacturers, stimulating the production of affordable and high-quality sanitary pads within the country. This approach not only ensures a sustainable supply of sanitary pads but also creates employment opportunities and reduces dependence on imported products.

Comprehensive education programs are vital to raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene practices. Governments should implement educational initiatives that provide information on proper menstrual hygiene management, debunk myths and stigmas surrounding menstruation, and promote positive attitudes and behaviors. This education should be incorporated into school curricula to normalize the topic and provide comprehensive information to both girls and boys, reducing stigma and fostering supportive environments.

Collaboration with private sector companies, NGOs, and other organizations is essential to address the issue of high taxes on sanitary pads. Partnerships can focus on subsidized distribution, awareness campaigns, research, and advocacy efforts, leading to lasting change. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources, expertise, and networks to tackle the issue comprehensively and ensure sustainable solutions.

Engaging local communities, especially women and girls, in decision-making processes and initiatives is crucial. Governments should involve them through community workshops, participatory programs, and the formation of local support groups. This ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate, meet the specific needs of the community, and empower women and girls to actively participate in finding and implementing solutions.

Accurate data collection on the impact of high taxes on sanitary pads and the menstrual hygiene practices of girls and women is important. This data can inform evidence-based policies and interventions, identify areas of need, and monitor the effectiveness of implemented measures. Governments should invest in research and data collection initiatives to have a comprehensive understanding of the issue and adjust strategies accordingly.

Participation in international forums and advocacy for the elimination of taxes on sanitary pads is essential. Governments can collaborate with other nations, share best practices, and contribute to global efforts to ensure affordable and accessible menstrual hygiene products for all. Collaboration with international organizations, such as UNICEF or UNFPA, can provide additional support, technical assistance, resources, and advocacy to governments.

Governments can provide targeted financial support to low-income families specifically for the purchase of sanitary pads. This can be in the form of cash transfers, vouchers, or subsidies to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that girls have access to the menstrual hygiene products they need.

In conclusion, the issue of high taxes on sanitary pads in Ghana has significant implications for girls attending basic school. It affects their access to affordable sanitary pads, educational opportunities, health, and overall well-being. Governments, in collaboration with various stakeholders, should prioritize addressing this issue by implementing policy reforms, providing subsidies, improving availability and accessibility, promoting education and awareness, and engaging local communities. By ensuring menstrual equity, we can empower girls and enable them to reach their full potential, breaking the barriers imposed by unaffordable sanitary pads.

EMMANUEL KWAME APPIAH CONTACT – 0547664440

EMAIL – [email protected]