The “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” in partnership with Access Bank and other stakeholders, has provided reusable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education to over 2,000 women and girls in IDP camps in Abuja and Benue State, addressing menstrual poverty and promoting dignity

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” a project of GATMASH MEDIA in collaboration with Access Bank and other key stakeholders, has made a significant impact in addressing the pressing issue of menstrual poverty and promoting the dignity of womanhood among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

Also read: Access Bank, PAD Me A Girl launch Pad Bank in Abuja

Through a dedicated partnership, the initiative has successfully provided free reusable sanitary pads and crucial menstrual hygiene education to over 2,000 girls and women residing in two IDP camps located in Abuja and Benue State. This impactful project has brought much-needed relief and smiles to the faces of these vulnerable individuals.

The stark realities of menstrual poverty were brought to light through the experiences shared by young IDP residents.

Farida Abubakar, a 14-year-old living in the Area 1 IDP Camp in Abuja, poignantly described being forced to use pieces of cloth during her period due to a lack of funds for sanitary pads.

Similarly, 16-year-old Sewuese Terfa from the Ortese IDP Camp in Benue State highlighted the difficult choice between food and menstrual hygiene products, stating that sanitary pads were an unaffordable luxury.

These stories echo the challenges faced by millions of girls and women across Nigeria who lack access to essential menstrual hygiene products due to poverty, impacting their health, dignity, self-esteem, and education.

In response to this critical need, the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” launched a sustainable ‘Pad Bank’ to ensure a continuous supply of free reusable sanitary pads to girls and women in need.

The initiative prioritizes menstrual health and hygiene education, empowering beneficiaries with the knowledge to properly use, wash, and store their reusable pads.

These eco-friendly and cost-effective pads can be reused multiple times, offering a sustainable alternative to disposable products and minimizing environmental waste.

This initiative has brought relief and dignity to our girls and women. We’ve seen a significant improvement in their confidence and we’re grateful for the sustainable solution provided by the reusable sanitary pads and the Pad Bank,” said Ms. Lizzy Asan, Benue State coordinator of the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative.

The ‘Pad Bank’ initiative is strategically designed to provide a long-term solution to menstrual poverty within IDP camps and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Access Bank’s significant contribution has been instrumental in the initiative’s success, providing vital resources to support the ‘Pad Bank’ and the distribution of reusable pads.

This partnership underscores Access Bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development.

Beneficiaries have expressed profound gratitude for the initiative. Aisha Adamu shared her joy in knowing that continuous access to sanitary pads would be a reality each month.

Joy Terseer, a 12-year-old IDP girl, expressed her newfound ability to attend school without period-related worries. Hadiza Ibrahim, a 15-year-old, spoke of the increased confidence and freedom the pads have provided.

Other beneficiaries, including Ojime Doose, Washima Shachia, and Esther Ayuba, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the positive impact on their dignity, health, and overall well-being.

Ms. Lizzy Asan, the Benue State coordinator of the initiative, conveyed her sincere gratitude to the organization for addressing this critical issue.

Mrs. Liyatu Yusuf, the women leader at the Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja, also shared her appreciation for the game-changing initiative. Alhaji Ibrahim Amadu, Camp Chairman of the Durumi Area 1 IDP Camp, commended the organization for bringing hope and dignity to the women and girls.

Also read: Access Bank partners with ‘PAD Me A Girl’ initiative to launch ‘Pad Bank’ for period poverty

The “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” has also benefited from the valuable support of partners such as Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods (makers of Kuli-kuli snacks), Pro Star, Jeffery Kuaran Foundation, Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), and other anonymous individuals, demonstrating a collective commitment to this important cause.