The Women’s Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in South Africa, in collaboration with the Fred Agbenyo Development Fund (FADF), has generously contributed sanitary pads to two schools in the Guan Constituency of the Oti Region, Ghana.

The beneficiary institutions of this charitable initiative were the Lipke Secondary School and Akpafu Secondary Technical School in the Guan constituency.

During the presentation ceremony held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the Lipke Secondary School, Madam Wilbertina Buxton, SA NDC Women's Wing Organizer, revealed that this marks the second phase of the donation exercise initiated last year in August. The theme for this year's donation exercise was "Empowering Girls Through Menstrual Hygiene, 'Sanitary Pads' Phase 2."

According to Madam Buxton, the project is aimed at empowering young girls through menstrual hygiene by providing them with free sanitary pads. She highlighted, "This year, we intend to execute the project in all the regions of Ghana before the elections across the country, and we're commencing with the Oti Region, specifically targeting the Guan Constituency."

"The primary objective of this initiative is to advocate to Parliament, the present government, and our incoming president, H.E. John Mahama, for a tax-free sanitary pad policy or free provision of sanitary pads to all women, especially our young adults across the country," she emphasized.

Madam Buxton underscored the natural and compulsory nature of the menstrual cycle, stating, "It isn't a choice but we have to go through it to become women. That is part of our identity, and why should we struggle to get materials to use when menstruating?"

She highlighted that the donation signifies the NDC Women's Wing of South Africa's commitment to bringing attention to the urgent need for action by the government, Parliament, and the incoming president of Ghana in addressing the challenges faced by women.

Addressing the issue of menstrual hygiene, Madam Buxton stated, "There is no need for a woman, especially young girls, to struggle just because she is going through her menstrual cycle. They should not have to use unhygienic materials, and they shouldn't have to skip school due to stained uniforms resulting from improper materials. This is improper and inappropriate."

Additionally, Madam Buxton mentioned that they are supporting the 24-hour economy of the NDC flagbearer, ensuring that women have access to pads at any given time. She hinted at future plans, stating, "Hopefully, next week, on March 2, 2024, we're extending our outreach to the Asante Region, and on March 8, we're reaching out to the Greater Accra Region."

Madam Buxton was accompanied by PC for Guan Constituency, Hon Fred Agbenyo, the Regional Women Organiser for Oti Region, the Guan Constituency Executives, Ablekuma West Constituency Women Organiser, and her Branch and Ward Executives.