Priscilla Khadi Vawurah says the government is on course with the free sanitary pads initiative
A former SRC President of UDS Wa Campus and current Executive Director of A Voice for Her, Priscilla Khadi Vawurah, has hailed the government of Ghana’s allocation of GH¢292.4 million for the distribution of free sanitary pads to female students in primary and senior high schools as a “game-changer” for girls’ education and empowerment.
Khadi, a passionate advocate for girls’ rights and education, expressed her excitement about the initiative, stating, “This is a major victory for girls everywhere! No girl should ever have to miss school or compromise her health because of something as natural as menstruation.”
As the Executive Director of A Voice for Her, Khadi has championed the cause of girls’ education, health, and empowerment in Ghana.
She believes this initiative will profoundly impact the lives of thousands of schoolgirls across the country.
“This initiative is not just about providing free sanitary pads; it’s about sending a message that every girl matters and deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential,” she said.
While excited about the initiative, Khadi emphasised the need for a decentralised, inclusive, and sustainable implementation strategy.
“One of our major concerns is the risk of urban bias in resource distribution. Too often, well-meaning programs focus resources in cities while rural and underserved communities are neglected. A needs-based, community-driven model is vital to ensure that every girl, regardless of her location, has access to sanitary products,” she added.
Beyond accessibility, Khadi stressed the importance of sustainability.
“While we offer free sanitary products, we cannot overlook the environmental impact of single-use plastic pads. We encourage the government to advocate for biodegradable and reusable sanitary products whenever feasible. Sustainable alternatives not only minimize plastic waste but also offer long-term solutions for girls who may find it difficult to access disposable pads regularly,” she added.
She also called for investment in local production to ensure long-term benefits for Ghana’s economy.
“A strategic approach that supports young Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the menstrual hygiene space like KODU Technology will create jobs and boost our economy. Instead of relying on imported products, let us build local capacity to produce eco-friendly sanitary solutions for our girls to end period poverty,” she said.
With the allocation of GH¢292.4 million, the Executive Director of “A Voice for Her” is confident that this initiative will help reduce school absenteeism and dropout rates due to menstruation-related challenges.
“We’re not just talking about education; we’re talking about empowerment. When girls are empowered, they can change the world,” she concluded.
The initiative was announced when Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, presented the 2025 Budget Statement — the first under the new NDC administration — on the floor of Parliament.
