Flow Clean Project

Changemaker: Sarah Boateng

Country of Implementation: Ghana

Menstruation becomes an obstacle to girls' education in most areas of rural Ghana which perpetuates inequality. This is because of the lack of menstrual products. Also, due to high taxes on sanitary products, young girls resort to using unhygienic materials like rags, leaves, and Toilet Rolls which have a long-term effect on their reproductive health. Others indulge in exploitative activities to enable them to get money for sanitary products. This is called “sex for pads” This exploitative activity strips girls of their dignity and shatters their dreams. This activity can eventually lead to teenage pregnancy and largely contribute to maternal mortality. The question is why should we continue to lose our girls because of a natural phenomenon? The project is needed because girls and boys will be educated on proper menstrual hygiene.

Education is important in solving issues about menstrual poverty. When they are empowered and know better, they will do better. Again, girls will be trained on how to make their reusable sanitary pads. The training will be a skill they can have and use for the rest of their lives. Also, it will be a transfer of skills as they will teach other girls how to make it. The project also contributes to climate change as these reusable pads are made from environmentally friendly materials. Unlike the disposable pads, the reusable pads protect the environment. Generally, the project is needed because it will promote good health and well

being of the girls, promote quality education as girls will be kept in school, improve climate action, and importantly promote equality and inclusivity.