ACCRA, GHANA – Access Bank Ghana, in a significant stride towards eradicating period poverty, has donated the first tranche of 500 boxes of sanitary pads to the New Horizon Special School. This initial contribution forms part of a larger commitment by the bank to provide one million sanitary pads, an initiative undertaken in close collaboration with the Office of the Vice President.
The donation, made on Tuesday, underscores Access Bank's dedication to empowering young girls and ensuring their dignity and access to education are not hampered by menstrual hygiene challenges. The New Horizon Special School, catering to children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, was selected as the inaugural beneficiary, highlighting a focus on vulnerable populations.
Addressing a Critical Need
The pledge to donate one million sanitary pads was first announced during a recent courtesy call by the Group Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank to the Office of the Vice President. This partnership between a leading financial institution and a high-profile government office signals a concerted effort to tackle period poverty, a pervasive issue affecting millions of girls and women across Ghana.
Mr. John Mensah, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Access Bank Ghana, articulated the bank's motivation during the presentation ceremony.
"At Access Bank, we believe in sustainable development that empowers communities and addresses fundamental human needs. Period poverty is a silent crisis that robs many girls of their education, health, and dignity. This donation of 500 boxes of sanitary pads to the New Horizon Special School is not just about hygiene products; it's about restoring confidence, promoting school attendance, and fostering an environment where every girl can thrive, regardless of her circumstances. This is the first step in fulfilling our promise to contribute one million pads, and we are committed to seeing this through across the nation."
Impact on Vulnerable Girls
For girls with special needs, the challenges associated with menstrual hygiene can be particularly acute, often compounded by limited access to resources, lack of awareness, and societal stigma. The donation to the New Horizon Special School is therefore a crucial intervention.
Madam Evelyn Boateng, Headmistress of New Horizon Special School, expressed profound gratitude for the timely support.
"We are incredibly thankful to Access Bank Ghana and the Office of the Vice President for this generous donation. Our students, especially the girls, often face unique difficulties in managing their menstrual hygiene. This provision of sanitary pads will significantly ease the burden on their families and ensure that our girls can attend school comfortably and confidently, without the fear and embarrassment often associated with their periods. It's a gift that goes beyond material value; it brings dignity and peace of mind."
The initiative is expected to benefit hundreds of girls within the school, providing them with essential menstrual hygiene products for an extended period, thereby directly impacting their health, attendance, and overall well-being.
Government's Role and Collaboration
The collaboration with the Office of the Vice President amplifies the reach and impact of the initiative, demonstrating the government's commitment to supporting private sector efforts in social development.
Representing the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Ama Serwaa, Special Advisor on Social Interventions, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in national development.
"The government is a strong advocate for initiatives that promote gender equality, health, and education. Period poverty is a barrier to progress that requires collective action. Access Bank's commitment to donating one million sanitary pads, starting with this impactful delivery to the New Horizon Special School, is a commendable example of corporate social responsibility aligning perfectly with national development goals. We believe this partnership will inspire other corporate entities to join hands with the government in addressing critical social issues that affect our citizens, especially our young girls."
The Broader Fight Against Period Poverty
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, waste management, or adequate washing facilities. Its consequences are far-reaching, leading to school absenteeism, health risks, and significant psychological distress for girls and women. In Ghana, like many developing countries, economic constraints often force families to prioritize other necessities over sanitary pads, leaving girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives.
This initiative by Access Bank is part of a growing movement in Ghana and globally to address period poverty head-on. By providing access to essential menstrual products, the bank aims to break down the barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
Looking ahead, Access Bank Ghana plans to roll out the remaining tranches of the one million sanitary pads to other schools and communities across the country, guided by needs assessments and strategic partnerships. The sustained effort is anticipated to make a substantial difference in the lives of thousands of Ghanaian girls, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment and contributing significantly to the national discourse on menstrual health and hygiene.
