In many African countries, condoms are distributed for free in schools, hospitals, and public spaces as part of national health campaigns. And rightly so—they are essential tools for preventing unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, this has raised a powerful and relevant question:
If men are given free condoms, why are women not given free sanitary pads?
This isn’t just a rhetorical question—it reflects a deeply rooted imbalance in public health priorities and how female biological needs are often neglected. The conversation touches on gender equality, access to health, and respect for dignity.
Menstruation Is Not a Choice
Every month, millions of African girls and women menstruate. It is a biological reality that is beyond their control. According to UNESCO, 1 in 10 African girls misses school during their menstrual cycle. Over a year, that adds up to about 20% of school time lost, putting girls at a significant disadvantage compared to boys.
In rural parts of countries like Uganda and Ghana, girls have reported using unhygienic alternatives such as rags, old newspapers, leaves, and even mud due to the lack of access to sanitary products. These methods not only pose serious health risks, including urinary tract infections and reproductive issues, but also lead to emotional trauma and social isolation.
Condoms Are Free—Pads Should Be Too
Condoms are provided free of charge as part of public health efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. According to UNAIDS, over 3.8 billion male condoms are distributed globally every year, many through public health programs.
Sanitary pads, on the other hand, are still treated as consumer products rather than essential health items. In some African countries, a packet of pads costs the equivalent of $1 to $1.50—far beyond the reach of many families living on less than $1.90 per day, which is the international poverty line.
It’s not a matter of saying condoms should no longer be free—they absolutely should. But so should menstrual hygiene products. Both protect public health. Both impact lives. And both deserve equal consideration.
Impact on Education and Future Opportunities
A study by Days for Girls International found that 70% of girls in some African regions cannot afford sanitary products. In Ghana, research from the Ministry of Education revealed that nearly 95,000 girls miss school every year due to lack of access to menstrual products.
This has a long-term impact on the education and empowerment of girls. If a girl misses 4-5 days of school every month due to menstruation, she could lose 60 days or more in a school year. That’s two whole months of learning lost—not because she’s lazy or unmotivated, but because she doesn’t have a basic item like a pad.
Progress Across Africa—But Not Fast Enough
Some African countries have started to respond to the issue of period poverty:
- Kenya was one of the first countries in the world to provide free sanitary pads in public schools and remove tax on menstrual products.
- South Africa removed Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads in 2019 and launched several pilot programs for pad distribution.
- Uganda and Ghana have held national policy dialogues on menstrual health, though progress has been slow and inconsistent.
Despite these positive steps, many initiatives remain underfunded and poorly implemented.
This Is a Matter of Public Health and Human Rights
Making sanitary pads free is not a luxury. It’s a public health necessity and a human rights issue. Menstrual hygiene should be treated with the same urgency and investment as any other healthcare issue.
If governments can afford to spend millions annually on condoms, there is no excuse for not investing similarly in menstrual health.
It’s Time for Change
The silence around menstruation must end. The stigma must be challenged. And public policy must reflect the everyday realities of women and girls. If society truly believes in gender equality, then it’s time to walk the talk. Menstrual hygiene products should be free, accessible, and treated as a basic right—not a privilege. If condoms can be free, so can sanitary pads.
