MAKURDI/Nigeria: In a bold move to tackle menstrual hygiene challenges faced by women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, “PAD Me A Girl Initiative”—a project of GATMASH MEDIA in collaboration with Access Bank—has partnered with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) to introduce reusable sanitary pads in the camps.
During a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, in Makurdi on April 4, 2025, the convener of “Access Pad Me A Girl,” Theresa Moses, highlighted the glaring gap in menstrual hygiene awareness. She noted that while condom use among men receives significant advocacy, menstrual hygiene for displaced women remains largely neglected.
She explained that the team journeyed from Lagos to Benue after receiving distressing reports of the hardships faced by women in IDP camps. The initiative, she said, aims to restore dignity by offering sustainable menstrual solutions.
Emphasizing the benefits of the reusable sanitary pads, Ms. Moses said they are washable and can be reused for up to a year, making them both cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to disposable options.
She revealed that the project is being supported by Access Bank, Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods, GATMASH NEWS, and the Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation. She gave assurances that the initiative would continue for as long as IDPs remain in the camps.
Ms. Moses also announced plans to establish a “Pad Bank” to ensure that newly arrived women and girls have access to sanitary products and other essentials.
In addition to menstrual support, the initiative extended its outreach by distributing exercise books and pens to school-age children in the camps, boosting educational support for displaced families.
The team used the visit to seek approval to launch its sensitization campaign at the Ortese IDP camp, which will serve as a pilot site for future outreach efforts.
Following this initial engagement, the team said it intends to return for a more comprehensive and long-term intervention to address hygiene and related issues.
In response, Benue-SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, who was represented by the Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, applauded the initiative. He said the exit of “Doctors Without Borders” from the camps had left a critical gap in healthcare and hygiene services.
Sir James stressed that the reusable pad project would ease the financial burden of sanitary care on displaced women and contribute significantly to their well-being.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with partners aligned with the vision of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in delivering lasting solutions for the welfare of IDPs.
This partnership represents a significant stride in restoring dignity and improving hygiene among displaced women and girls in Benue State, underscoring the urgent need for continued support to vulnerable communities.
