An NGO, FemPawa Africa, has urged the government to remove all taxes on sanitary pads to enable women and girls to buy them, especially those in rural areas.
The Founder of the organisation, Dorkong Rimdam, made the call during an outreach at the Government Secondary School, Bwari in Abuja on Saturday.
Rimdam said the high cost of sanitary products, especially menstrual pads, was part of the challenges affecting girls’ health and education in the country.
She added that the cost often forces girls to resort to unsafe alternatives during menstruation.
She Said “If we can have free condoms, why can’t we have free pads, if we have have free toilet rolls in the bathroom, so why not pads?
“Sex is an option but menstruation is not a choice, and a lot of women and girls cannot access sanitary pads.”
According to her, removing the tax on sanitary pads will help to reduce the cost and enhance accessibility and affordability for women.
“A pack of 10 pieces of sanitary pad is about N700, expected to be changed at intervals and a girl can use two or three a day.
“So, a girl may require two or three packs of pad for a menstrual cycle at the cost of more than N2000. Where will she get it?
The Executive Director of Good Tides Philippians Mission Foundation, Mrs Lois Amele emphasised the crucial role of education in promoting menstruation hygiene.
Amele said there was a need to equip girls with accurate information and empower them to adopt healthy practices from a young age, thereby, dispelling myths and ensuring their well-being.
The Head Girl of Government Secondary School, Bwari, Deborah Nwachukwu thanked the NGO for the efforts.
Nwachukwu said that the educational outreach had empowered her and her peers to embrace menstruation without stigma or fear.
She stressed the importance of fostering a supportive environment, where girls feel comfortable discussing menstrual health openly.
On his part, the Vice Principal, Academics, Government Secondary School, Bwari, Mr Shola Orunmbe commended the organisation for prioritising the empowerment and well-being of girls.
Orunmbe affirmed the school’s commitment to support the efforts.
Other highlights of the day was distribution of sanitary pads and kits for reusable pads, as well as teaching the students how to make use of them.
By Justina Auta
