BREAKING BARRIERS: MoGCSP CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE MENSTRUAL HEALTH FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) through its department of Gender has commemorated the 2026 Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with a renewed call for inclusive menstrual health interventions that uphold the dignity, wellbeing and rights of women and girls with disabilities.

The event, held under the global theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld” and the national sub-theme, “Breaking Barriers – Menstrual Hygiene for Women and Girls with Disabilities,” brought together government officials, development partners, disability advocacy groups, health professionals, caregivers and beneficiaries.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, noted that while menstruation is a natural part of life, many women and girls continue to face stigma, misinformation and barriers that undermine their ability to manage their menstrual health safely and with confidence. She observed that these challenges are often more pronounced for women and girls with disabilities, who frequently contend with limited access to information, appropriate sanitation facilities and support systems.

The Minister stressed the need for sustained and deliberate efforts to make menstrual health services more accessible and responsive to the needs of all women and girls. She called for greater investment in disability-friendly sanitation facilities, menstrual health education and support systems that promote dignity and inclusion.

According to her, ensuring that women and girls with disabilities can manage menstruation safely is not only a health issue but also a matter of equality, participation and social justice.

Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey further highlighted government’s commitment to addressing menstrual health challenges through targeted interventions, including the Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Programme introduced by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama under his 120-Day Social Contract Commitment. She noted that the initiative is helping to remove barriers to education by providing sanitary pads to girls across the country, including those in special schools and inclusive learning environments, thereby ensuring that no girl is disadvantaged because of her menstrual cycle.

The Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Marian W. A. Kpakpah, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls, particularly those living with disabilities. She emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing menstrual health challenges and noted that the day’s activities were designed not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical support to beneficiaries.

Representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, FlowWellness Ghana and Jasper Wellness Health Organisation Ghana, all reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that advance menstrual health, inclusion and gender equality.

As part of the programme, officials from the Ghana Health Service delivered an educational session on menstrual health and hygiene, providing participants with practical information on safe menstrual hygiene management and healthy practices. The session encouraged an open dialogue on menstruation and reinforced the importance of accurate information in addressing misconceptions and harmful stereotypes.

A major highlight of the commemoration was the presentation and distribution of sanitary pads to women and girls with disabilities and other vulnerable beneficiaries. The gesture not only provided essential menstrual hygiene products but also symbolised a shared commitment to ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to dignity, participation or opportunity.

The commemoration concluded with a renewed pledge by stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, challenge menstrual stigma and advance inclusive menstrual health interventions across the country.

The event reinforced the collective responsibility to create an environment where every woman and girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently and with dignity, regardless of her circumstances or ability.

Source: MoGCSP