By Gabriel Ameh
A coalition of civil society organisations has launched the Sustainable Pad Bank Initiative in two secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of efforts to tackle period poverty, promote menstrual hygiene and combat stigma among adolescent girls.
The initiative was carried out at Junior Secondary School Giri and Junior Secondary School Piwoyi, Abuja, through a partnership involving the Media Health and Rights Initiative (MHR), League of Nigerian Women Voters (NILOWV) and Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI).
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Director of Media Health and Rights Initiative (MHR), Mrs. Alu Adele, described period poverty as a major challenge affecting the education, confidence and wellbeing of many girls across Nigeria.
She explained that many girls are often forced to resort to unsafe alternatives such as old clothes, tissue paper and newspapers during menstruation because sanitary pads remain unaffordable for many families.
“A girl should not have to choose between buying sanitary pads or buying food. She should not have to stay away from school because of her period. The Pad Bank is simply a tool to remove one of the obstacles standing in the way of girls’ education and confidence,” she said.
Mrs. Adele added that the Pad Bank initiative was designed to provide free sanitary pads for students in need while encouraging healthy conversations around menstrual hygiene and dignity.
Chairperson of NILOWV, Sandra Ogbonna, assured students that the coalition remains committed to sustaining the initiative through regular restocking of sanitary products in the benefiting schools.
She stressed that menstruation should never be treated as something shameful, urging girls to reject stigma and embrace confidence.
“To the girls, never be ashamed of your periods. Menstruation is natural, and you deserve to feel safe and confident in school every day,” Ogbonna stated.
Also speaking during the outreach, Miss Margaret Adatso of Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI) encouraged students not to allow menstruation affect their dreams or education, noting that periods are a normal part of life.
Mrs. Ruth Ihinkalu, Gender Officer of Junior Secondary School, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful for adolescent girls within the school community.
The Principal of Junior Secondary School Giri, Mr. Ayedara Francis, praised the coalition for introducing the initiative, noting that the Pad Bank aligns with efforts to improve students’ welfare, attendance and overall academic performance.
According to him, empowering girls and creating safer learning environments would positively impact families, communities and society at large.
Some students interviewed during the outreach in both schools expressed appreciation to the organisations, saying the initiative would help girls stay in school during menstruation and improve their confidence.
The coalition reiterated its commitment to promoting menstrual health rights, girls’ education and inclusive learning environments where no child is left behind because of a natural biological process.
