The Emotional Toll of Period Poverty in Ghana: Shedding Light on a Neglected Truth

By: Talata Awuah

Menstruation is a natural biological process that millions of girls and women experience worldwide. However, for many girls in Ghana, it is more than just a physiological event; it often leads to emotional distress, stigma, educational challenges, and trauma. During an interaction with some students from the A.M.E Zion School and St. Francis Demonstration School in Hohoe, Volta Region of Ghana, regarding menstrual hygiene management by Mako Children Opportunity Centre, some of the students shared the following: “When I got my period for the first time, I shared the news with my grandma. She took an old cloth, cut it, folded it, and gave it to me to use. Since then, I’ve been combining it with sanitary pads. Although it feels uncomfortable to use, I have no choice, as my grandma can’t always afford disposable sanitary towels,” Xorlali shared. Senam said, “At the beginning of my first period, up to some point, when the price of sanitary pads got hiked up, my mum could afford for me to get a pad every month but I have reverted to using used clothes which makes me feel uncomfortable but I have to since I do not have many options to choose from.” Xorlali and Senam's experiences reflect a broader issue. Many lower-income families and residents of remote rural areas face the challenge of using cloths instead of pads.

Period Poverty defined as the lack of access to or the inability to afford menstrual hygiene products, education, or adequate sanitation is an ongoing issue that impacts the mental and emotional well-being of young girls across the country. 

Since the launch of Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2014, many initiatives by activists and governments have sought to reduce the stigma around menstruation and enhance the affordability of menstrual products such as the appeals to government to remove the imposed 12.5% VAT (Value Added Tax) on sanitary pads and a 20% Import Tax on all imported sanitary pads, by civil society groups, to government promises of distributing free sanitary pads to undeserved rural communities. However, period poverty remains a prominent issue in public discussions, highlighting its psychological effects on vulnerable groups. Despite ongoing efforts to curb this, there are still critical gaps and challenges, particularly concerning the emotional toll of period poverty on girls. 

This blog post will delve into the emotional impact of period poverty in Ghana, highlighting the mental stress, shame, and social exclusion many girls experience during their menstrual cycles. By raising awareness of this issue, we can advocate for better policies, increase awareness, and propose sustainable solutions to ensure menstruation is no longer a hindrance to dignity and success.

The Reality of Period Poverty in Ghana

The World Bank reports that 500 million women and girls globally lack access to menstrual products. They also do not have sufficient facilities for menstrual hygiene management, such as clean water and toilets, despite the fact that around a quarter of the world’s population menstruates. 

In Ghana, as in many developing nations, providing sufficient menstrual hygiene resources poses challenges, particularly for low-income families. A notable percentage of girls, especially from lower-income households and those in remote rural regions, find it difficult to purchase sanitary pads. They often turn to unhygienic substitutes like old rags, cement paper, or newspapers for period management. This issue is exacerbated by restricted access to clean water, insufficient toilet facilities, and cultural taboos associated with menstruation. 

Research conducted by UNICEF and various local organisations, supported by accounts from some students at A.M.E Zion School and St. Francis Demonstration School, shows that many girls in Ghana miss school during their menstrual periods due to feelings of embarrassment or lack of access to sanitary products. Reports indicate that some girls may remain at home for up to five days during their menstrual cycle, mainly because they cannot afford sanitary pads. This absenteeism over time adversely affects their academic performance and raises the likelihood of dropping out of school altogether. The long-term consequences are significant, including limited economic opportunities both presently and in the future, increased vulnerability to child marriage, and a higher risk of exploitation.

The Psychological and Emotional Toll

Although the physical aspects of period poverty receive considerable attention, its emotional effects frequently go unnoticed. The struggle to handle menstruation with dignity can result in significant psychological distress, undermining girls' self-esteem, confidence, and overall mental well-being. Below are some of the emotional consequences of period poverty on girls.

Shame and Embarrassment. In some families or communities in Ghana, especially those living in remote and almost fully traditional communities, menstruation is still considered taboo, therefore restricting girls from freely expressing themselves during their period with dignity. Consequently, girls experiencing period poverty in these areas are keenly aware of the stigma attached to menstruation, which often leads them to avoid school or social activities due to fears of leakage or odour. These societal misconceptions can foster feelings of embarrassment and isolation, making them feel ashamed of their bodies for a natural process.

Another significant emotional challenge of period poverty for girls is anxiety and stress. For many, menstruation becomes more than just a biological occurrence; it often results in intense anxiety. Ongoing concerns about staining their clothing, potential mockery from peers, and the difficulty of finding a clean space for changing, contribute to their stress. This persistent pressure undermines their concentration in school, resulting in poor academic performance and increasing feelings of inadequacy. Also, low self-esteem and depression arise as major emotional impacts of period poverty on girls. The continual struggle with period poverty can result in decreased self-worth and, in some cases, depression—an issue that remains regrettably ignored in public conversations. When girls are unable to participate confidently in everyday activities, they may begin to perceive themselves as less valuable than their peers. This sense of being "different" or "inferior" can significantly influence their self-image, ultimately affecting their desire to pursue further educational and career goals in the future.

Finally, social exclusion and isolation are significant emotional consequences of period poverty. It's well-documented that many girls who can't afford sanitary products often isolate themselves from various aspects of life, particularly social activities. In cultures or communities where menstrual taboos and stigma are prevalent, these girls may not receive adequate support from their families or teachers. Such intentional or unintentional behaviours can create a profound sense of exclusion that extends beyond school, negatively impacting their relationships with peers and, in severe instances, diminishing their overall sense of belonging within their communities.

The Need for Awareness and Action

Period poverty is not just a health or economic issue; it is a human rights issue that affects the dignity, well-being, and future of girls in Ghana. Addressing the emotional toll of period poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, policy changes, and community involvement. Here are some key areas where change is needed:

A crucial part of tackling period poverty involves making menstrual hygiene products affordable and accessible. This calls for long-term measures, such as eliminating import taxes on sanitary products, encouraging local production, and supplying free sanitary pads in schools. These strategies will help guarantee lasting access to menstrual hygiene products for all girls and women, particularly those from low-income families. It is commendable that, following persistent advocacy by civil society organisations and NGOs urging the government to abolish the 12.5% VAT on sanitary pads and the 20% import tax on all imported pads, the government responded. In 2024, they eliminated taxes on the raw materials necessary for the local production of sanitary pads and lifted import duties for domestic manufacturers. Furthermore, in this year's National Annual Budget, the Ghanaian government unveiled a plan to distribute free sanitary pads to female students in primary and secondary schools, allocating GHC292.4 million for this initiative. This effort aims to address menstrual hygiene challenges faced by schoolgirls, tackle period poverty, and ensure that girls, particularly those from low-income families, do not miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products. 

Another critical area for change is enhancing sanitation and infrastructure in schools and public places. This can be accomplished by providing clean and private toilet facilities with running water, allowing girls to manage their periods with dignity.

Moreover, integrating thorough menstrual health education into schools and communities is essential, especially in regions where menstruation carries significant stigma, to break down current taboos. Educating both boys and girls about menstruation aims to foster a supportive environment and lessen bullying related to periods. This effort mirrors initiatives by organisations like Plan International Ghana, which have started engaging boys and men as allies in promoting menstrual health. Lastly, another crucial area for improvement includes establishing counselling services and peer support groups to help girls manage the emotional challenges tied to period poverty. Furthermore, mentorship programs should be created, enabling women who have overcome period poverty to guide and motivate young girls. An example of such a mentorship program is the bi-annual workshops organised by the Mako Children’s Opportunity Centre in Hohoe, for both boys and girls to interact, share their experiences, and discuss the stigmas, taboos, and barriers present in their communities.

In conclusion, period poverty in Ghana extends beyond the inability to purchase sanitary products; it also places significant emotional strain on young girls like Xorlali, Senam and many other girls, affecting their self-esteem, mental health, and future prospects. Addressing this issue requires a collective approach from the government, NGOs, educators, and communities to ensure that no girl must choose between her education and dignity. 

How do we do that!!??

We can do that by raising awareness and putting sustainable solutions into action, by cultivating a future where menstruation is viewed as a normal and respected part of life, just as the theme for this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day states, “To Make Menstruation A Normal Part Of Life By 2030.” It is essential to work together to eliminate the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation, advocating for a world where everyone has access to affordable menstrual products, educational resources, and essential period-friendly infrastructure for women and girls.

How to Support Mako Children

Every dollar counts in providing continuous care for our kids. Become a member of our EveryChild and Scholar Collectives, make a one-time donation or get involved as a volunteer or board member today.

How to Help