Rebecca Osam, CEO of Reflo Company Ltd. and renowned advocate for menstrual health, was among the distinguished guests invited to the national launch of the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The initiative, officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama on April 24, 2025, aims to provide free sanitary pads to over two million girls in public basic and secondary schools across Ghana. It marks a bold national effort to reduce absenteeism among school girls and address period poverty.
For Rebecca Osam, whose Pads for 1,000 Girls campaign — in partnership with The Florence Mensah Foundation — has already impacted hundreds of young girls in underserved communities, the launch was a deeply personal and fulfilling moment.
Speaking after the event, she remarked, “It has always been close to my heart to ensure that young girls have access to quality and affordable sanitary products. Witnessing this national commitment was heartwarming and filled me with pride. Ghana is indeed taking significant steps to empower its future leaders.”
Reflo Company Ltd., under Rebecca’s leadership, has been a trailblazer in producing affordable, high-quality sanitary pads while leading conversations about menstrual health in Ghana. Her consistent efforts to provide free sanitary pads and advocate for young girls’ education align closely with the government’s broader objectives outlined at the event.
The national launch, chaired by Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, brought together key stakeholders, including senior officials from the Ghana Education Service, educational directors, teachers, learners, and policymakers.
President Mahama emphasised that the provision of sanitary pads would be a sustained monthly commitment, ensuring that “No girl in Ghana should miss school because of a menstrual period.”
The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, also highlighted the initiative’s potential to end period stigma and give girls the dignity and freedom they deserve.
As Rebecca Osam continues to champion menstrual equity and girls’ empowerment, her presence at this national milestone reaffirms her pivotal role in shaping a future where every girl can learn, grow, and lead without barriers.
