The Ghana Education Service (GES) has rolled out the distribution of more than 6.6 million sanitary pads to schoolgirls across all 16 regions as part of a national effort to promote menstrual hygiene and prevent absenteeism among female students during their periods.
The initiative, announced in a statement on Saturday, October 11, coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated globally under the theme “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of the Crisis.”
According to the GES, the project seeks to uphold the dignity and well-being of adolescent girls while addressing menstrual hygiene challenges that often disrupt their education.
“This initiative fulfils the Government of Ghana’s commitment to provide free sanitary pads to all schoolgirls—from basic through to senior high school—on a monthly basis throughout their academic journey,” the statement noted.
The Service emphasized that the intervention forms part of a broader government strategy to enhance gender equality in education and ensure that no girl is left behind due to menstrual-related barriers.
GES also reaffirmed its dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable education system, one that supports every learner and creates an enabling environment for girls to thrive.
The statement further commended the Ministry of Education for its leadership in implementing the programme, describing the initiative as a “transformative effort that empowers girls to stay in school and pursue their dreams with confidence.”
