More than half of the world's population have or will menstruate. A recent UNESCO study on sub-Saharan Africa showed that 1 in 10 girls misses school during their menstrual cycle, and the missed days equals 20% of a school year. A local Liberian study reported that the lack of access to sanitary products and services has contributed to girls' underperformance in school, teenage pregnancy, early child marriages, and school dropouts.

The lack of a sanitary pad is a bleeding disgrace! Because thousands of Liberian women and girls do not have access to sanitary products, they use old clothes, socks, rags, and tissue, which may lead to health complications. Menstruation is still treated as a taboo, contributing to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene education. Menstruation is a normal biological process, and women and girls should not have to suffer for it.

We, the undersigned citizens firstly call on H.E President George Manneh Oppong Weah, to kindly issue an Executive Order that suspends all taxes and import duties on sanitary pads. The order will impact women/girls' access to sanitary pads making it more affordable and accessible while they lobby and engage the Legislature for the amendment of the law. As Feminist in Chief, we ask you to publicly stand with the women and girls of Liberia like you have always done, to tackle Period Poverty to enable women and girls live, learn, lead and contribute meaningfully in their communities. 

We ask: that the Government of Liberia, through the Legislature, should amend the Revenue Code removing all taxes applicable to the importation and sale of sanitary pads in Liberia. 

We ask: that the Legislature should consider allocating funds toward Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the next annual budget.

We ask: that The Ministry of Education prioritizes, invests, and accelerate efforts to ensure the teaching of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools. Enforcing that all schools, public or private have sanitary pads available in their bathrooms.   

We ask: that the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Liberia Revenue Authority will commit to working with the legislature to implement the amended tax policy, Regulate and monitor the price of sanitary pads on the market. 

Written by: Nusone E. Perkins