Kwame Afrifa-Mensah, host of ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ has urged Ghana’s parliament to enact a law -as a matter of urgency- to give mandatory tax exemptions to sanitary towels to make pads affordable and accessible to all.
The theme for this year’s menstrual hygiene day is ‘It’s Time for Action’.
‘’It is incredulous that condoms are cheaper than sanitary pad. But sex is a choice and menstruation is not. In fact, sanitary pads should not cost more than GHS 2.00 in this country,’’ Kwame Afrifa- Mensah stated.
Dedicating his rant which is a segment on ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ to commemorate the world menstrual hygiene day, he advised ladies to practice menstrual hygiene and desist from using unsanitary materials during their periods.
‘’ our ladies should stop using pieces of cloths among other materials that cause infection after their cycle,’’ he said.
He also admonished his fellow men to be empathetic towards women during their menstrual periods.
‘’We have been unkind to women in the past me included. We now understand the mood swings and the pain. Going forward we will treat you better,’’ he said.
Meanwhile the world menstrual hygiene day is set aside to break the silence on menstruation leaving no one behind. So that effective management of menstrual hygiene will enhance better school attendance and learning outcomes, greater mobility and opportunities, greater self-determination and a healthier and more confident adolescence.
However, breaking the taboo starts with providing information – not only to those who menstruate, but also to men and boys to enable everybody talk freely about menstruation.
By: Bridget Mensah
