Foundation Calls for National Action to End Period Poverty, Reaching 10,000 Girls

Funmi Ogundare

The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has stepped up its campaign to eliminate period poverty in Nigeria, urging governments, schools, corporate partners, parents and development agencies to collaborate so that no girl is denied education, dignity or opportunity because of menstruation.

The call came during the commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day at Isolog College in Akute, Ogun State, under the theme “The Pad Bank Movement: Ending Period Poverty Together.”

Founder Theresa Moses spoke at the event, noting that the organisation has reached more than 10,000 girls and women through menstrual health education, advocacy, sanitary pad distribution and empowerment programmes in schools, rural communities and underserved areas.

Moses highlighted that period poverty remains a major challenge for thousands of girls nationwide, causing school absenteeism, social exclusion and the use of unsafe alternatives due to a lack of sanitary products.

She explained that the foundation launched the Pad Bank Movement as a sustainable solution to ensure girls can access menstrual products whenever needed.

“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,” she said.

Moses described menstruation as a natural biological process that should never be a source of shame or a barrier to education and personal development.

She called on stakeholders to support menstrual health initiatives and to establish pad banks in schools as part of efforts to eradicate period poverty.

Addressing students, she encouraged girls to view menstruation as a normal sign of growth and health.

“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,” she advised.

The event also featured an educational session titled “Ending Period Poverty Together,” delivered by media expert and life coach Amina Omoike, who stressed the need to break societal stigma surrounding menstruation.

Omoike explained that period poverty extends beyond the inability to afford sanitary pads and includes lack of access to clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, accurate menstrual health information and social support systems.

She said the consequences of period poverty include school absenteeism, low self-esteem, health risks, anxiety and social isolation among girls.

“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,” she said.

Omoike urged girls to seek accurate information about menstrual health, support one another and challenge harmful myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.

“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 added.

The foundation also acknowledged the contributions of several corporate partners and sponsors, including ProStar Sports International, which supplied customised jerseys for volunteers and team members; BL Consulting; and Vitabaites Foods.

Media organisations and the management of Isolog College were also praised for supporting the initiative and raising awareness about menstrual health and girls’ empowerment.

The foundation noted that growing support from schools, businesses, civil society groups and the media demonstrates an increasing recognition that ending period poverty requires collective action and sustained collaboration.

Students who participated in the programme described it as enlightening and empowering, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about menstrual health, hygiene and self‑confidence.