The Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana is urging authorities to establish sanitary pad banks in institutions with large populations of girls. This initiative aims to improve access to sanitary pads for vulnerable girls and prevent menstrual discrimination.
The association emphasizes the importance of having sanitary pad banks to allow organizations and individuals to contribute and make a significant difference in the lives of many vulnerable young girls.
Professor Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi, Vice Chairperson of the Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana, stated, “Institutions with girls’ populations should prioritize sanitary facilities. Access to these areas is crucial, especially during menstruation. Many adolescent girls come from vulnerable homes and cannot afford sanitary pads. Having pad banks where benevolent societies and individuals can donate will support girls who cannot afford sanitary pads.”
The Lady Pharmacists Association of Ghana, in collaboration with the Lady Student Pharmacists of Ghana, KNUST chapter, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH), launched the Menstrual Hygiene Day Awareness Campaign at Mancell Girls’ SHTS in Oduom, Kumasi. The campaign aimed to educate students on menstrual hygiene and provide donations of sanitary pads, materials, and medication for managing dysmenorrhoea.
Headmistress Lydia Osei-Wusu expressed appreciation for the gesture, acknowledging the school’s efforts to ensure proper hygiene despite insufficient sanitary facilities.
Menstrual Hygiene Day was observed on May 28th, highlighting the need for improved menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary pads for vulnerable girls.
