Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet millions of women and girls across Africa face financial barriers to managing their periods with dignity. The high cost of menstrual products, coupled with inadequate access to sanitation facilities and societal stigma, has created a form of economic violence that disproportionately affects women and girls. This article explores how menstrual hygiene is an economic burden, highlights shocking figures, and discusses the need for urgent policy interventions.
The Cost of Menstruation
The financial burden of menstruation is often overlooked, yet it significantly impacts the economic well-being of women. The average woman menstruates for about 2,535 days in her lifetime—roughly seven years. During this time, she needs menstrual products, pain relief medication, and hygienic facilities.
- In Ghana, a pack of sanitary pads costs between GHS 10 and GHS 20 ($0.85–$1.70). For many low-income women, this is unaffordable, forcing them to resort to unsafe alternatives such as rags, newspapers, or leaves.
- In Kenya, a study found that 65% of women cannot afford sanitary pads, with schoolgirls often missing up to 20% of school days annually due to lack of access.
- A report by UNICEF states that 1 in 10 African girls misses school due to menstruation-related challenges, increasing their risk of dropping out and affecting future economic opportunities.
- In Nigeria, the price of menstrual products has risen by over 150% in the last three years due to inflation, further limiting access for vulnerable groups.
Menstrual Tax: An Unfair Burden
Many countries impose taxes on sanitary products, treating them as luxury items rather than necessities. This is commonly referred to as the “tampon tax.”
- In South Africa, the 15% VAT on menstrual products was only recently scrapped in 2019, but many women still struggle to afford them.
- In Ghana, menstrual products remain taxed at 12.5% VAT, making them even more expensive for those already struggling.
- In Uganda, the government removed taxes on sanitary products in 2017, yet affordability remains a challenge due to high production and importation costs.
Impact on Education and Employment
The economic cost of inadequate menstrual hygiene extends beyond product expenses. Women and girls often face financial losses due to missed opportunities in education and employment:
- According to UNESCO, 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa drops out of school because of period-related issues.
- In workplaces, poor menstrual hygiene facilities contribute to lower productivity, as some women are forced to take time off work due to discomfort or lack of proper facilities.
- The World Bank estimates that $1 billion is lost annually due to absenteeism linked to menstruation in developing countries.
What Needs to Be Done?
Governments and policymakers must take urgent steps to address menstrual hygiene as a public health and economic issue:
- Tax-Free Menstrual Products – Sanitary pads and tampons should be classified as essential goods and exempt from taxes.
- Free Menstrual Products in Schools – Countries like Scotland provide free menstrual products in schools and workplaces, an initiative African governments should consider.
- Local Production and Subsidies – Investing in local manufacturing of affordable sanitary products will reduce costs and create jobs.
- Menstrual Health Education – Raising awareness about menstrual hygiene will help reduce stigma and promote better health practices.
- Improved Sanitation Facilities – Schools and workplaces should have proper hygiene facilities to support menstruating women.
Conclusion
Menstrual hygiene is not just a women’s issue—it is a matter of economic justice. The high cost of managing menstruation, combined with inadequate facilities and cultural stigma, limits women’s opportunities and reinforces gender inequality. Governments, businesses, and communities must work together to break the cycle of economic violence by ensuring that menstrual products are affordable, accessible, and free from taxation. It’s time to recognize that periods are not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of women’s health and rights.
Editor: Joyann Obeng ESQ, obeng.joyann@yahoo.com
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ABAKAZI A PAN-AFRICAN WOMEN’S DAY NEWSLETTER 2025
