By Joke Kujenya
ENERGY AND optimism filled the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Durumi, Abuja, on Monday, 13 October 2025, as the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative”, in partnership with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS) and Access Bank, hosted a transformative celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
The event united displaced girls and women with lawmakers, government officials, civil society advocates, corporate partners, and media representatives in a shared commitment to menstrual dignity, empowerment, and equality.
The event, convened by Gatmash Media, brought together hundreds of displaced girls and women alongside top government officials, lawmakers, civil society groups, corporate partners, and media representatives in a shared commitment to end menstrual stigma and advance equal opportunities for girls.
In her opening remarks, Theresa Moses, Convener of the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and Chief Executive Officer of Gatmash Media, expressed appreciation to partners and emphasised the urgent need for sustained action to dismantle barriers affecting young girls across Nigeria.
“This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls On The Frontlines Of Crisis,” reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis, but resilient leaders, change-makers, and symbols of hope,” she said.
“At Pad Me A Girl, our mission is to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period, her circumstance, or her background.”
Through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the initiative has reached more than 5,000 girls and women nationwide with reusable pads, menstrual hygiene education, and self-esteem workshops.
Moses also shared the inspiring story of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, defeating 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.
“Nafisa’s story is a reminder that brilliance can blossom anywhere — even in the most unlikely places,” she added. “Every girl, when supported, can transform her community and her nation.”
Represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, delivered a keynote address calling for an end to the culture of silence surrounding menstruation.
“For too long, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation,” she stated. “Silence around menstruation is not neutrality, it is neglect. And neglect has consequences.”
The senator urged the establishment of a national framework that recognises menstrual health as a matter of public health, education, and human rights.
She outlined her committee’s ongoing efforts to integrate menstrual health education into school curricula, make menstrual products affordable and accessible in rural and underserved communities, and strengthen partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society.
“When we break the silence, we break the stigma. When we empower girls, we uplift communities. And when we invest in menstrual health, we invest in the future of our nation,” she declared to a standing ovation.
She further commended the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” for bridging the gap between policy and lived realities, noting that no nation can achieve gender equality if girls continue to miss school due to menstrual challenges. “Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege — it’s a necessity,” she said.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, the Deputy Director of Child Development at the Ministry, Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, praised the initiative for its sustained advocacy and impact.
“Today’s celebration is not just to highlight challenges, but to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Nigerian girl,” she remarked.
The Ministry, she revealed, is actively reviewing and updating major national instruments, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, the Child Rights Act, 2003, and the National Child Policy (2009).
She also announced the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at normalising menstrual conversations and ensuring national access to hygiene products, facilities, and accurate information.
“We must eliminate female genital mutilation, early child marriage, bullying, and all forms of gender-based violence. The future of Nigeria depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today,” she stressed.
“Empowering the girl child is not charity; it is nation building.”
The celebration featured a health education session led by Mrs. Blessing Amos, Abuja Team Lead of the Pad Me A Girl Initiative, who sensitised participants on menstrual hygiene management, body confidence, and breaking taboos around menstruation.
The session was also followed by the distribution of empowerment packs containing reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, corn flour, custard, and kuli-kuli to hundreds of girls and women in the camp.
It was supported by ProStar Sports International, BL Consulting, and Vita Baites Foods as the event ended with renewed pledges to strengthen partnerships, expand menstrual health awareness, and continue empowering girls across Nigeria.
