When menstruation comes at a cost many cannot afford

Dar es Salaam. For thousands of schoolgirls across Tanzania, the monthly cycle of menstruation is not just a biological process but a significant barrier to education and wellbeing.

High prices of commercial disposable sanitary pads leave many girls unable to manage their periods hygienically and confidently.

In rural areas, this challenge is compounded by a lack of water, private facilities, and access to proper disposal methods, forcing many girls to stay home during their periods.

“When menstruating, I miss school for at least four days every month,” says Amina, a 15-year-old from Sengerema. “We don’t have pads, and the water shortage in our village makes it even harder to maintain hygiene. Sometimes, I get rashes and infections from using old clothes.”

Her story is not unique. A recent survey by Tanzania’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and UNICEF revealed that 16.8 percent of menstruating schoolgirls miss school during their periods. Nearly half of these absences are due to a lack of menstrual materials.

Read: Sanitary pads a 'luxury' beyond reach for many women and girls in Tanzania

The cost of sanitary pads is one of the biggest challenges. Popular brands like Always or HC* sell for up to Sh3,500 per pack, while many parents in regions like Chato, Njombe, and Mufindi cannot afford to spend more than Sh800 for their daughters.

According to an officer at Msichana Initiative, Ms Lucy Gidamis, this price disparity is widening the gap between those who can afford sanitary products and those who cannot. “The cost of pads is not just about hygiene—it directly impacts girls’ education and future opportunities,” she says.

In 2018, the Tanzanian government removed the Value Added Tax (VAT) on sanitary pads to lower prices. However, a year later, the VAT exemption was revoked after the government observed that prices had not decreased significantly.

Stakeholders pointed out that other costs, including import duties, custom fees, and the railway development levy, continued to push up prices. A 2023 report by the Tanzania Menstrual Health and Hygiene Coalition highlighted these barriers.

Recognising the issue, Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba announced in June 2024 that import duties on raw materials used to manufacture sanitary pads would be removed.

The decision followed years of advocacy by organisations like the Msichana Initiative, led by rights advocate Rebecca Gyumi.

“This is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough,” says Mr Constantine Manda, co-founder of the Impact Evaluation Lab at the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF).

“The absence of local manufacturers producing affordable sanitary pads is a major challenge. Without local production, the cost will remain out of reach for many.”

Developing countries like Kenya and India have taken innovative approaches to make sanitary products more accessible.

In Kenya, the government provides free sanitary pads to schoolgirls as part of its education policy. This initiative has significantly reduced absenteeism among girls during menstruation.

India, on the other hand, has invested in local manufacturing of low-cost sanitary pads through community-based enterprises. Programmes like “Menstrual Hygiene Management” train women to produce and distribute affordable pads within their communities.

“Tanzania can learn from these models,” suggests a right advocate, Mr Juma Ayub.

“Encouraging local production through tax incentives, grants, and partnerships can drive prices down while creating jobs.”

What victims say

For girls like Halima, a student in Tabora, the impact of limited access to menstrual products goes beyond education. “We share a water source with cattle, and it’s far from our home,” she says. “During my periods, I stay home because I’m afraid of the discomfort and the teasing from boys at school.”

Such stories underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Experts argue that addressing menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue but a matter of gender equality and human rights.

The government’s recent efforts to harmonise taxes on sanitary products are commendable. But experts like Ms Furahini Mlekang’ombe believe more needs to be done. “We need policies that focus on menstrual education, access to affordable products, and WASH facilities in schools,” she says.

A coordinated effort involving government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors could help Tanzania replicate successful models from countries like Kenya and India.

“Menstrual health should not be a luxury,” says Mr Ayub. “It’s a necessity for every girl to live with dignity and pursue her dreams.”

As Tanzania strives to make education more inclusive, addressing the high cost of sanitary pads is essential. Investing in local production, removing economic barriers, and improving school facilities are steps that can ensure no girl is left behind.