Gender Minister designate advocates for tax removal on sanitary pads to help support underprivileged girls
Minister-designate for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for immediate discussions to improve the accessibility and affordability of sanitary pads for underprivileged adolescent girls, particularly those in rural areas, who often struggle to afford them.
When asked about her plans to address the issue during her vetting at Parliament on January 22, 2025, Ms. Lartey explained that many girls in rural communities are unable to purchase sanitary pads, leading them to miss school during their menstrual periods.
She further explained that this situation makes these girls more vulnerable to exploitation, as some resort to accepting sanitary pads from men in exchange for favours. Ms. Lartey pointed out the link between poverty and these vulnerabilities, stressing the urgent need for solutions.
“Families often face the difficult decision of choosing between food and sanitary pads,” she said. “In most cases, food is prioritized because it is essential for survival.”
To address this, Ms. Lartey suggested that the government work to eliminate taxes on sanitary pads to make them more affordable. In the meantime, she proposed creating a budget to distribute free sanitary pads to girls from low-income families.
She emphasized that menstrual hygiene is a biological issue that impacts everyone, either directly or indirectly, and requires immediate attention.
The nominee assured the committee that, if given the opportunity, she would prioritize support for underprivileged girls, ensuring they have access to sanitary products, reducing their vulnerability, and enabling them to remain in school.
