Period Poverty and its Effects on the Education of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Ghana

Abstract

The study investigates how young women and adolescent girls in Ghana are affected by period poverty. Lack of access to menstruation supplies, hygienic facilities, and knowledge is known as period poverty, and it can have serious psychosocial and sociocultural repercussions. The study's main conclusions are that teenage girls' and young women's needs are not sufficiently met by the government, and menstrual hygiene is a neglected issue in Ghana. Due to this, there is widespread period poverty, which includes a lack of access to reasonably priced menstruation products and clean restrooms. Girls' education in Ghana is negatively impacted by period poverty, especially in rural communities. Due to a lack of facilities and appropriate supplies, many girls miss school during their menstrual periods, which results in a major loss of education. Since period poverty disproportionately impacts girls and young women, it perpetuates gender inequity in Ghana's educational system. In conclusion, period poverty is a serious issue in Ghana that has an adverse effect on young women's and girls' education and gender equality. To address this issue, more government funding and legislative action are needed to guarantee access to menstruation products, hygienic facilities, and period health education.