President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched a new initiative aimed at preventing girls from dropping out of school due to menstruation.
The initiative, known as the Free Sanitary Pads for Junior and Senior High School Girls programme, was described by the President as “not a one-time gesture, but a sustained policy commitment.”
The initiative seeks to ensure that menstruation no longer becomes an obstacle to girls’ education by providing them with the necessary support to stay in school throughout their academic journey.
This programme is a direct response to the long-standing challenge of menstrual hygiene, which has contributed to absenteeism, low retention rates, and poor academic performance among female students. According to the Ministry of Education, many girls across the country miss school or drop out entirely because they lack access to sanitary products.
This intervention is designed to address that gap, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to attend school with dignity.
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating that it is part of his government’s broader efforts to support gender equality and provide quality education for all.
He pledged that the programme would continue to expand, reaching more girls in both junior and senior high schools across the nation.
“We see you, we believe in your potential, and we will stand with you every month, every term, and every year,” he assured the girls present at the launch.
The initiative is part of President Mahama’s 120-day social contract with the people of Ghana. With just thirteen days left before its expiration, the launch represents a significant milestone in fulfilling his commitment to improving education for all.
The President also acknowledged the challenges faced by parents, many of whom struggle to afford the cost of sanitary products, in addition to other necessities like school supplies and food.
“Help is here, and help is here to stay,” President Mahama promised the parents in attendance.
The programme also highlights the crucial role that teachers, headteachers, and school administrators will play in supporting the initiative.
He encouraged educators to stand by the girls, noting that they would soon see a transformation in their students.
“They will show up to school with confidence, they will come to class with dignity, and they will be able to focus on the lessons that you teach,” he said.
As part of the broader strategy to ensure the programme’s success, President Mahama called on local manufacturers to engage in the production of sanitary pads.
This could stimulate the local economy and create jobs while simultaneously helping to keep girls in school.
“Let us build local capacity for domestic sanitary pad production,” he urged, emphasising the long-term benefits of the programme for both girls and the economy.
The Free Sanitary Pads for Junior and Senior High School Girls programme also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4 and SDG5) and Ghana’s national objectives of providing quality education and promoting gender equality.
This initiative serves as a vital step in eliminating barriers to education and empowering girls to reach their full potential.
In his remarks, President Mahama reflected on the broader significance of the initiative, describing it as more than just a policy but a movement aimed at protecting the future of Ghana’s girls.
“This is a movement that celebrates their resilience and ensures they belong in the classroom, in leadership, and in the bright future we are building together,” he said.
Vice President Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, although unable to attend, sent her greetings to the audience.
President Mahama took a moment to update the public on her health, assuring them that she was recovering well and would soon rejoin the efforts.
“I spoke to her yesterday, and she said to say hello to all of you, that she is very well, and she will join us soon to continue the work,” he added.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, also addressed the crowd, emphasising the significance of the initiative. He praised President Mahama for tackling the issue of menstrual hygiene and its impact on school attendance.
“From today, no girl child in Ghana will have her dignity compromised because of menstruation. This programme will improve school attendance and retention,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu also shared that the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education would be a key focus of President Mahama’s agenda for the year, with new STEM kits and cells being introduced to primary school students.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, a traditional leader present at the launch, expressed his strong support for the initiative and highlighted the importance of ensuring that nothing prevents girls from progressing through education.
He affirmed that traditional leadership has a key role to play in protecting the dignity and well-being of the girl child.
“As traditional leaders, we have a sacred responsibility to protect the dignity of the girl child. No harmful cultural practices should stand in the way of her health and education,” he said.
King Tackie also emphasised the need for cultural shifts to empower girls and support their educational success.
President Mahama’s launch of the Free Sanitary Pads for Junior and Senior High School Girls initiative stands as a bold step forward in ensuring that every girl in Ghana has access to the resources they need to continue their education with dignity and confidence.
This initiative represents a promise fulfilled and a movement that will have a lasting impact on the future of girls in Ghana.
“Today is a message to every girl in Ghana that you matter, that your dreams matter, and your future is worth every investment,” President Mahama concluded, reinforcing the transformative potential of this programme. His leadership, along with the collaboration of various stakeholders, aims to ensure that girls in Ghana can continue their education without the fear of menstruation causing them to drop out.
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