AWKA/Nigeria: Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, took a significant step on Wednesday, as she inaugurated a menstrual pad bank in 400 secondary schools. The initiative aims to ensure that girls have access to sanitary pads when they suddenly experience their monthly menstrual cycle.
The pad bank was officially launched in Awka to coincide with the International Day of the Girl-Child, observed annually on October 11th. This event serves as a platform to address the challenges faced by girls, promote their empowerment, and advocate for the fulfillment of their human rights. The theme for this year’s commemoration was “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being.”
Dr. Nonye Soludo expressed the mission behind the initiative, stating, “One of the significant goals of our crusade in Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative is to teach our girls the rules of hygiene, nutrition, and self-development. In the area of hygiene, we are also looking at menstrual hygiene and the overall health education of women and girls, especially those in the low-income class.”
“We have concluded arrangements to provide sanitary pad banks in over 400 secondary schools across Anambra where Healthy Living Clubs are domiciled,” she added. “Accessibility to sanitary pads remains a major concern in rural homes. It gets even worse when menstrual emergencies break out in schools. Therefore, we want to intervene where it matters the most.”
Dr. Soludo further revealed that over 1,000 sanitary pad packs would be distributed to schools to kick off the campaign. Subsequent distributions will occur at the beginning of each academic term to ensure consistent support throughout the academic calendar. The initiative is expected to boost the confidence of the girl-child, reduce stigmas associated with menstrual emergencies, and help them manage their menstrual cycle with dignity.
Miss Adaora Soludo, daughter of the governor, encouraged girls to acquire essential life skills early on, emphasizing the importance of communication skills, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, confidence, and creativity. She underlined the significance of becoming problem solvers and self-reliant individuals.
Chinwe Okolie, an ICT expert, urged girls to take advantage of the state government’s Solution Innovation District to acquire information and communication technology skills. She emphasized that digital skills are crucial in today’s world and can empower girls to become tech-savvy, enabling them to shape their future and earn a living. She said, “An empowered girl is intelligent, a goal-getter, and an achiever.”
