By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
WITHOUT AFFORDABLE menstrual hygiene solutions, many young girls in Nigeria face a monthly struggle that affects their health, education, and dignity due to limited access to sanitary products.
Often, they resort to unsafe alternatives, usually missing school and experiencing severe discomfort.
Addressing this critical issue, Access Bank has launched a new initiative tagged ‘Access PAD Me A Girl PAD Bank’ at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Area 1, Durumi, Abuja, offering free sanitary pads to those in need.
The initiative, spearheaded by “PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” a project of GATMASH MEDIA, was officially launched on 3 April 2025 in collaboration with Access Bank Plc.
It aims to provide sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions for young girls and women facing economic hardship.
Theresa Moses, Convener of “PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” underscored the significance of menstrual hygiene during her opening remarks.
She highlighted that an estimated 37% of menstruating girls and women in Nigeria lack access to sanitary pads due to financial constraints.
This project, she said, is a crucial step toward ensuring that no girl has to choose between her education and managing her period safely.
“The ‘Pad Bank’ will not only provide free reusable sanitary pads but also promote sustainability by reducing waste.
More importantly, it will create a platform for open conversations around menstruation, helping to dismantle stigma and misinformation,” she stated.
Mrs Blessing Jonah Amos, a parenting coach, led an informative session on proper menstrual hygiene practices and the benefits of using reusable sanitary pads. She encouraged young girls to prioritise their health while embracing sustainable hygiene solutions.
Security was also a focus at the event, with Divisional Police Officer CSP Ola Rotimi Ebidero providing essential safety tips for young girls and women, urging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The launch event saw strong support from partner organisations, including Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, and ProStar.
These organisations contributed various items such as food products, exercise books, instant noodles, and clean drinking water to support the community.
By expanding its reach and working with key stakeholders, the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative” seeks to foster a society where menstrual hygiene is prioritised, ensuring that girls and women can live with dignity and confidence, unhindered by financial barriers to essential sanitary products, said Moses.
