The Bauchi State House of Assembly (BAHA) has passed a historic bill for the establishment of sanitary pad banks in schools, correctional facilities, and community centers across the state.
Speaker of the House, Abubakar Suleiman, praised the collaborative efforts of Women for Women International (WfWI), ASHH Foundation, Child is Gold Foundation, and other civil society organizations (CSOs) for their relentless advocacy, which led to the bill’s passage.
He expressed optimism about the bill’s positive impact, particularly on indigent adolescent girls and women who struggle to afford sanitary pads during their menstrual cycles.
Suleiman also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women’s development in Bauchi State.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Lawal Dauda, highlighted that Bauchi is the first state in Nigeria to pass such a bill. He emphasized that the initiative would address menstrual hygiene challenges and reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls, as well as support female inmates in correctional facilities.
“This bill, the first of its kind in Nigeria, received overwhelming support from all honorable members. As you can see, we are on recess, yet we were called back just to pass it. This demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to the welfare of our women and girls,” Dauda stated.
Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, Comfort Attah, expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State Government, the State Legislature, and all CSOs that championed the bill. However, she noted that while the bill has been passed, it still awaits the governor’s assent.
“CSOs are ready to partner with the government for the effective implementation of the sanitary pad bank system. I have no doubt that our governor will sign this bill into law. The administration of His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, has created an enabling environment for such progressive initiatives,” Attah stated.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Child is Gold Foundation, Elizabeth George, described the bill’s passage as a landmark achievement for organizations working on women’s health and rights.
“Today is a victory for indigent schoolgirls, women in their communities, and female inmates. Menstrual hygiene will no longer be a barrier to school attendance, and proper hygiene management will be ensured in both schools and correctional facilities,” George said.
The bill, once signed into law, is expected to set a precedent for other states to follow in addressing menstrual health and hygiene.
By Lizzy Carr
