Story by George Yawson Vineh
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has partnered with EcoPeriod Ghana to distribute 200 reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls as part of activities marking this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The donation and sensitization exercise took place today in Akropong, targeting girls in selected basic and senior high schools across the Eastern Region. The initiative seeks to address period poverty, reduce absenteeism, and promote dignified menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls.
Speaking at the commemorative event, Deputy Director-General in charge of Management Services at Ghana Education Service, Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi said menstrual health remains a key barrier to education for many girls and the need to access safe and sustainable menstrual products is not a luxury rather essential for learning.
“When girls miss school because of their period, they lose valuable learning time”.
Adding that the partnership is GES’ commitment to ensuring that no girl is left behind due to menstruation,” she stated.
Sustainable Support from EcoPeriod
EcoPeriod Ghana, a social enterprise focused on sustainable menstrual health solutions, provided 200 reusable pads as part of the donation. The pads are washable, eco-friendly, and designed to last up to 2 years with proper care.
Beyond distribution, EcoPeriod also held an educational session for the beneficiaries on proper use, cleaning, storage, and disposal of the reusable pads. The team also led discussions to break the stigma and myths around menstruation and encourage open conversations between students, teachers, and parents.
Founder of Ecoperiod Ghana, Amidiya Abdul Latif say the campaign aligns with Ghana’s efforts to achieve SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 5 on Gender Equality.
“This is about more than just giving out pads, it is about equipping girls with knowledge, confidence, and sustainable tools to manage their periods without shame or interruption to their education” she concluded.
Officials from both institutions noted that the pilot distribution in the region will be expanded to other regions in the coming months, with plans to reach more schools and communities.
The partnership has been welcomed by teachers, parents, and students, many of whom described the reusable pads and education drive as “timely and empowering.”