By Ifunanya Ndigwe

The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has intensified its campaign against period poverty, calling for collective action to ensure that no girl is denied education, dignity, or opportunity because of menstruation. The call was made during the commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day held at Isolog College, Akute, Ogun State, on Wednesday, June 3. The event, themed, “The Pad Bank Movement: Ending Period Poverty Together” had in attendance students, teachers, partners, advocates, and community stakeholders to promote menstrual health awareness and support for girls.

Speaking at the event, Founder of Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation, Miss Theresa Moses described menstruation as a natural biological process that should never be a source of shame or a barrier to education and personal development. According to Moses, period poverty remains a major challenge affecting thousands of girls across Nigeria, forcing many to miss school, withdraw from social activities, and sometimes resort to unsafe alternatives due to a lack of access to sanitary products. She explained that the foundation established the movement as a sustainable solution to ensure girls have access to menstrual products whenever they need them.

Moses said, “The Pad Bank is more than a storage facility for sanitary pads. It is a symbol of hope, dignity, inclusion, and empowerment. It ensures that no girl has to suffer in silence because of her period.” The founder disclosed that the foundation has reached and impacted more than 10,000 girls and women across schools, rural communities, and underserved areas through menstrual health education, advocacy campaigns, sanitary pad distribution, and empowerment programmes.

She called on schools, governments, corporate organisations, parents, and development partners to support menstrual health initiatives and establish pad banks in schools to help eliminate period poverty. Addressing the students, she encouraged girls not to feel ashamed of menstruation, emphasising that it is a sign of growth and health, advising, “Your period should never stop you from achieving your dreams. Speak up when you need support, ask questions, and take pride in who you are.”

A highlight of the programme was an educational session delivered by Media Expert and Life Coach, Mrs Amina Omoike on the topic, “Ending Period Poverty Together.” Omoike described menstruation as a normal biological process experienced by women and girls worldwide and urged participants to reject harmful myths and misconceptions associated with periods. Omoike told the students, “Your period is not a sickness. It is not a punishment. It is not something that should stop you from achieving your dreams.”

She explained that period poverty goes beyond the inability to afford sanitary pads and includes a lack of access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, accurate menstrual health information, and social support. According to her, period poverty can result in school absenteeism, reduced confidence, health risks, anxiety, and social isolation among girls.

Omoike said, “There are girls who stay home for several days every month because they have no menstrual products. Imagine missing classes every month through no fault of your own. Never let your period make you feel less valuable, less capable, or less intelligent. Your period does not define you. Your character, your dreams, your talents, and your determination define you.” She urged girls to learn about menstrual health, ask questions without fear, support one another, and share accurate information, while calling on parents, schools, and communities to create supportive environments where menstruation can be discussed openly without stigma.

The foundation also recognised the invaluable contributions of its corporate partners and sponsors whose support contributed significantly to the success of the event. Leading the list was ProStar Sports International, a fast-rising Nigerian sportswear and sports equipment manufacturer founded by Managing Director, Ambassador Paul Maduakor. The company is renowned for producing premium sports products, including the ProStar Evolution Ball, breathable jerseys, custom sports kits, and high-quality sportswear. Beyond manufacturing, ProStar is actively involved in grassroots sports development, sponsoring youth sporting events and local tournaments across Nigeria, and has built a reputation for supporting social impact initiatives. As part of its support, the firm provided customised jerseys for team members and volunteers of the foundation.

The foundation also acknowledged the support of BL Consulting, a Lagos-based financial services and business support firm established by accounting and finance professionals. The company provides both virtual and on-site services to businesses, helping organisations improve efficiency and growth through bookkeeping, financial reporting, tax administration, payroll management, inventory management, and other accounting solutions. The commitment of BL Consulting to business development and community support was commended during the event.

Also recognised was Vitabaites Foods, a growing Nigerian food processing company known for producing crunchy and nutritious Kuli-Kuli products enjoyed by consumers across different communities. The company continues to support initiatives that promote community well-being, youth development, local food production, and entrepreneurship.

The foundation further appreciated its media partners for consistently amplifying messages around menstrual health, girls’ empowerment, and the fight against period poverty. According to Moses, the media remain critical stakeholders in breaking the silence around menstruation and educating communities on the importance of menstrual health and hygiene.

The management of Isolog College, Akute, was equally commended for providing a conducive platform for the programme and for demonstrating commitment to the education, health, and overall well-being of young girls. According to the foundation, the support received from these organisations reflects the growing recognition that ending period poverty requires collaboration among schools, businesses, civil society organisations, the media, and community stakeholders. Beneficiaries described the programme as impactful, educational, and empowering, with many students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about menstrual health and hygiene.