NGO empowers young girls in Suleja on Menstrual Hygiene Day

To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day, a non-governmental organisation, Phoebe and Partners Support and Awareness Initiative, in partnership with Girls and Goals Initiative and other allied bodies, hosted a sensitisation programme titled “Project Pad Bank” at Hassan Dallatu School, Suleja, Niger State.

The event, designed to educate and empower adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene management, featured an enlightenment session led by Nurse Mrs Mary Emmanuel Umoh, who addressed key issues surrounding menstrual health. She tackled prevalent myths, emphasised best hygiene practices, and advised on the proper use of menstrual products.

“Girls should prioritise personal hygiene during their menstrual periods to prevent infections, discomfort, and embarrassment,” Mrs Umoh advised. She stressed the importance of proper pad disposal and the need to wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after changing menstrual products.

In her welcome address, the convener, Miss Phoebe Michael, highlighted the significance of the Pad Bank Initiative as a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution aimed at supporting girls who lack access to sanitary products.

“Through Project Pad Bank, we are equipping young girls with the knowledge, tools, and dignity they need. The success of this initiative is proof of what can be achieved when organisations come together for a shared cause,” she stated.

Miss Michael also introduced the concept of reusable pad-making, which was demonstrated to promote sustainability and self-reliance. She explained that teaching girls how to make and maintain reusable pads would not only enable them to manage their periods comfortably but also help eliminate odours and maintain cleanliness.

Reaffirming her organisation’s commitment to youth and gender-sensitive advocacy, she called for more partnerships to expand the reach of their educational and health-based empowerment programmes.

A key highlight of the event was the distribution of 300 Softcare sanitary pads to students, ensuring immediate access to essential menstrual hygiene supplies. Other outcomes from the day included increased awareness and self-confidence among students, the establishment of a functional Pad Bank at the host school, and enhanced community involvement through student volunteerism.

The colourful one-day event left participants better informed and more empowered, contributing significantly to breaking the silence and stigma around menstruation in Nigerian communities.