Women MPs in Ghana’s 8th Parliament in collaboration with Market Women and Students are calling on the government for the immediate removal of import duties and value-added tax on both imported and locally manufactured sanitary pads.
According to them, Sanitary pads are not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for the health and well-being of women and adolescent girls
Their leader Comfort Doyoe MP for Ada who led the presser held at Job 600 on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, noted that this is not merely an economic or political issue but of human rights, dignity, and equality.
She noted that access to affordable menstrual hygiene products is a basic human right that should not be denied by financial barriers. However, the imposition of import duties and VAT on these essential items has created an undue burden, making them out of reach for many.
“This financial barrier directly affects the lives of our girls, especially those from low-income households, hindering their access to education. Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products often leads to school absenteeism and, tragically, can force girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives or even miss out on education altogether.” she bemoaned
The minority’s deputy whip went on further saying that monthly menstrual flow is not an accident, but a necessary biological factor that makes every woman a complete woman, therefore they see no reason making it expensive and difficult to afford.
“We cannot have a situation where there is a zero tax on condom importation making it almost free for pleasure and adding it to the list of essential medicines whilst taxing sanitary pads. This is unacceptable and we say DON’T TAX OUR BLOOD.”
She categorically stated that their blood should not be what will generate money for the county.
“They can use any other alternative, if they are able to scrub the tollbooth, then they should bring it back and leave the women alone because they shouldn’t use our blood for money” she added.
Also, the MP for Pusiga, Laadi Ayii Ayamba added her voice and Reiterated that they are demanding free sanitary pads for all girls in school. “We are not the first, nor second and it’s not like it has never happened, the free sanitary pad has been distributed especially in the schools when H. E. John Mahama was in office. Why it should stop we don’t understand”
The situation she expressed bitterly affects not only the girl child but the mother, since most get into premarital sex due to sanitary pads, including unacceptable materials just to protect themselves.
“The most painful aspect is when a girl has to drop out of school simply because of sanitary pads and when they are humiliated it sticks up their heads that when they are learning it becomes a problem. Other countries have done it, why can’t we do it?’
That notwithstanding, they equally called on all stakeholders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and citizens to join hands in advocating for the necessary change, to ensure that every woman and girl in the country had unimpeded access to essential sanitary products, enabling them to live their lives with dignity and pursue their education without hindrance.
They implore the government to take the Following Decisive Actions:
1. REMOVAL OF IMPORT DUTIES: The elimination of import duties on sanitary pads, both imported and locally manufactured, is paramount to ensuring their affordability for all women and girls across our nation.
2. EXEMPTION FROM VAT: A waiver of Value Added Tax on sanitary pads is crucial in making these products more accessible and affordable, particularly for those in marginalized communities.
3. FREE SANITARY PAD: In support of menstrual health equity, we are proposing that the government guarantees free sanitary pad distribution in low-income communities. As I said, access to essential menstrual hygiene products is a right, not a privilege. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens and empower women and girls in marginalized areas. Ensuring dignity and health, we commit to sustained provision and accessibility of quality sanitary pads. Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, join us in fostering a society where every woman’s well-being matters.
By: Mary Quartey
I don’t know why the government cannot take out this tax. this is pure greediness