How it all begun
In July 2023, during a two-week trip to Ghana, I—Esther Odame—unexpectedly ran out of menstrual products I had packed. Used to easy access to them in the US, I stopped by a local pharmacy to buy a small, affordable pack to get me through the last days of my cycle. To my surprise, the cheapest option was 30 Ghana cedis (about $3) for just six pads—the same price I’d pay for an 18-pack in the US. Though I bought the product without much thought, the experience stuck with me.
When I returned home, I reflected on how expensive these essential products were compared to local wages. After further research, I discovered that 1 in every 7 dollars a woman earns in Ghana is spent on menstrual products—14% of her monthly income, a luxury many simply cannot afford. With gender pay inequality and limited job opportunities, I realized how inaccessible these essential items were for many women and girls. The more I learned, the clearer it became: period poverty was keeping girls out of school, limiting their opportunities, and forcing women to compromise their dignity.
I couldn’t ignore the disparity. I knew I had to act. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, I founded Global Flow Foundation, Inc.—an organization committed to providing free menstrual products, education, and support. In June 2024, with no clear distribution plan but strong faith, I purchased $1,000 worth of menstrual products and flew back to Ghana. I was able to quickly build a strong team of volunteers, and just weeks later, we hosted our first distribution event, directly reaching girls and women in need.
But Global Flow Foundation’s mission goes beyond menstrual products. We believe that education is vital for everyone. Breaking the stigmas around menstruation requires involving entire communities, promoting empathy, and driving social change. We also prioritize health and wellness, recognizing that true empowerment comes from addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
I am deeply proud and grateful for every volunteer, team member, and supporter who has stood with us. Your dedication makes our work possible. Together, we are creating lasting change—one community, one girl, and one flow at a time.