By Ezra Ukanwa, Abuja

In a bid to tackle the issue of menstrual hygiene and promote gender equality, El Echad Foundation, recently launched a campaign to distribute reusable menstrual pads to over 200 schoolgirls in Kabusa community in the FCT.

The project was done in partnership with Massey College and the Rotary Club of Toronto Bay-Bloor through the 2023 Massey/Rotary Bay-Bloor award.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Foundation’s Public Affairs Consultant, Obi Nwosu, on Friday in Abuja.

The initiative was not only to empower young girls, but to alleviate the financial burden associated with menstruation.

The statement revealed further that El Echad Foundation’s choice for reusable pads “lies not just in its ability to ensure safe menstrual hygiene practice, but also in its environmentally friendly nature, significantly reducing waste associated with single-use pads, which harm the environment.”

The statement reads in part: “Given the recent increase in the cost of menstrual hygiene products and the stigma associated with menstruation, especially for school-aged girls who are also prone to many myths and misinformation, what are the options available for school-aged girls in local communities to meet their needs and tackle misinformation?

“El Echad Foundation is ensuring that school-aged girls receive proper menstrual hygiene education and access to the high-quality, sustainable menstrual hygiene products they deserve.

“In this regard, they distributed reusable menstrual pad packs to 240 schoolgirls at Kabusa Community Secondary School, each pack containing five eco-friendly pads and a stylish carry-on pouch.”

Also speaking, the co-founder of El Echad Foundation, Favour Ugwumba, said: “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering young girls with sustainable menstrual health solutions, and we thank Massey College and the Rotary Club of Toronto Bay-Bloor for their support.”

In response, Registrar at Massey College, Alison Mackenzie, stated:  “Massey College is excited to support this vital initiative. By aiding young girls in managing their menstrual health using sustainable products, we are contributing to a more equitable and secure future for them.”

Precious Nwafor from El Echad Foundation emphasizes, “This program is not just about providing menstrual products; it’s a movement for health, education, and environmental sustainability.”

The co-founder of El Echad Foundation and Junior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto, Otuto Amarauche Chukwu, called for more work to break barriers and build a future where menstrual hygiene is managed with dignity and respect.