-To Curb Period Poverty
By Jerromie S. Walters
The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Health, has taken a significant step toward addressing period poverty in Liberia. On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, lawmakers held a crucial engagement with Public Health Institute of Liberia (PHIL) and WaterAid Liberia’s HerWASH Project to discuss removing taxes on menstrual health and hygiene (MHM) products.
This comes as an addition to existing efforts to ensure menstrual equity. Globally, there has been a push to eliminate taxes on essential menstrual products, recognizing their impact on women’s health, education, and economic participation. A typical Liberian girl needs about 10 pads per month, costing roughly $10 USD. Given that the World Bank estimates the average Liberian lives on just $53 per month, sanitary pads consume nearly 20% of their income—an unsustainable expense.
According to recent Ministry of Health surveys, an estimated 30% of Liberian women and girls cannot afford basic menstrual products. This financial burden forces many to resort to unsafe alternatives, exposing them to infections and other health risks. The issue is not just about affordability but also accessibility, particularly in rural areas.
UN Women reports that over two billion people menstruate worldwide, yet millions lack access to safe and affordable menstrual products. In Liberia, the situation is exacerbated by high taxes on sanitary pads, which are classified as general goods rather than essential health commodities. Currently, these products face a 20% import duty and a 10% goods and services tax (GST).
During the roundtable discussion in Monrovia, PHIL Executive Director Joyce Kilipo emphasized the urgency of policy reform. She explained that the initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada through WaterAid, seeks to improve menstrual health and hygiene in Liberia, particularly in Grand Cape Mount County.
Kilipo highlighted the dire consequences of period poverty, including school absenteeism and health complications. Many girls, she noted, resort to using rags, newspapers, or even leaves due to the high cost of sanitary pads. This not only endangers their health but also disrupts their education and future opportunities.
To address this, PHIL proposed three key measures: removing import duties and GST on menstrual products, reclassifying them as essential health items, and supporting local production of affordable and eco-friendly sanitary products. These steps, Kilipo argued, would align Liberia with global best practices.
Over 30 countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Canada, have already eliminated taxes on menstrual products. Kilipo stressed that Liberia must follow suit to advance gender equality and public health. She cited UNESCO data showing that one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during menstruation—a statistic likely worse in Liberia.
In response, House Health Committee Chairperson Hon. Julie F. Wiah acknowledged the need for legislative action. She described the discussion as timely and pledged to explore amendments to existing tax laws, drawing inspiration from neighboring Sierra Leone, which recently passed similar legislation.
The lawmakers committed to further engagements with civil society and health advocates to push for policy changes. They agreed that menstrual health is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and addressing period poverty is critical for Liberia’s development.
A 2022 ActionAid report revealed that one in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school due to lack of access to sanitary pads. With Liberia being one of the region’s poorest nations, this figure is likely higher. The UN estimates 1.2 million Liberian women and girls menstruate monthly, yet the country has one of the world’s highest out-of-school rates.
Period poverty encompasses more than just product affordability—it includes inadequate sanitation facilities, lack of education, and societal stigma. Addressing it requires a multi-sectoral approach, including tax reforms, public awareness, and infrastructure improvements.
During this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, ActionAid Liberia called for tariff reductions on menstrual products under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.” Such advocacy aligns with Liberia’s economic realities. With a nominal GDP of $4.24 billion and per capita income of $653, affordability remains a major barrier.
