Sanitary Pads are no longer affordable: The Silent cry of young girls in our communities

 

In a local community in Imo State, I met Chidera, a bright young girl whose story painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by many girls in Nigeria.

Chidera shared a painful reality, one that is rarely discussed but affects millions of young girls across the country.

"Sanitary pads are no longer affordable," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. According to her, the prices of sanitary pads have skyrocketed, leaving many young girls unable to afford this basic necessity.

“Before now,” she explained, “sanitary pads used to cost between ₦200 and ₦300, and we could manage to buy them. Then, the price went up to ₦500, which was still manageable. But now, a pack costs more than ₦3,000!”

For young girls like Chidera, who come from low-income households, this price increase is devastating. She revealed that only 2 out of every 10 girls in her community can afford sanitary pads. The others resort to using unsafe alternatives like tissue paper, rags, or pieces of cloth to manage their menstrual flow.

Using unsafe alternatives poses serious health risks. It can lead to infections, rashes, and long-term reproductive health problems.

Despite the dangers, these girls have no choice. Their families are already stretched thin, struggling to afford food and other essentials. Sanitary pads are seen as a luxury they simply cannot prioritize.

The situation underscores a larger issue of menstrual poverty, a condition where individuals lack access to menstrual hygiene products, education, and proper sanitation facilities.

It’s a problem that perpetuates gender inequality, keeping girls out of school during their periods and impacting their confidence and self-esteem.

Chidera’s story is a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for intervention to make sanitary pads affordable, or even free, for teenage girls.

Across the world, several countries, including Scotland and Kenya, have taken bold steps to address menstrual poverty. They have introduced policies to provide free sanitary products in schools and public places, recognizing menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right.

In Nigeria, however, such initiatives are still limited. The government, NGOs, and corporate bodies must step in to bridge this gap.

Some steps that can be taken include:

1. Subsidizing Sanitary Pads: The government can partner with manufacturers to reduce production costs, thereby making sanitary pads more affordable.

2. Providing Free Pads in Schools: Distributing sanitary pads in schools can ensure that girls have consistent access to menstrual hygiene products.

3. Raising Awareness: Educating communities about menstrual health and hygiene is crucial to breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.

4. Policy Advocacy: Advocacy groups can push for policies that recognize menstrual hygiene as a public health issue and allocate funds to address it.

Periods are a natural part of life, yet they are often shrouded in stigma and neglect. No girl should have to choose between her health and her education because she cannot afford a sanitary pad. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege, it is a right.

As Chidera and countless other girls in her community continue to struggle, we must rise to the challenge. Together, we can create a society where every girl has access to safe, affordable menstrual hygiene products.

It’s time to break the silence, shatter the stigma, and ensure that no girl is left behind.