In Ghana, the high taxes imposed on menstrual products have significantly hindered adolescent girls and women from effectively managing their menstrual cycles.

This policy brief examines the adverse effects of price hikes on pads for girls and young women in Ghana. The high cost of sanitary pads, exacerbated by taxes, poses significant challenges for women and girls, particularly those from low-income households. Consequently, adolescent girls and young women who cannot afford safe pads resort to unhygienic alternatives or miss school altogether, severely impacting their economic prospects and perpetuating the cycle of poverty and inequality.

This brief calls for measures that ensure equitable access to clean, safe, and affordable menstrual products for all. By prioritizing the needs of women and girls, policymakers can catalyse positive change, empowering individuals and advancing a more inclusive and equitable development.

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