The First Lady Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has donated 10,000 disposable sanitary pads to some schoolgirls in Anambra to promote the dignity and confidence of girls during their monthly menstrual cycles.
Oluremi, represented by the Wife of the Anambra State Gov. Dr Nonye Soludo, distributed the pads on Wednesday at the National Launch of ‘Flow With Confidence’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anambra received 10,000 out of the 370,000 disposable sanitary pads donated to schoolgirls across 36 states and FCT, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The event had the theme, ‘Empowering School Girls Through Menstrual Health’.
The first lady said: “This is a menstrual health intervention to address the challenges faced by girls during their menstrual cycles and to reduce the barriers that cause them to fall behind in their studies or absence from the school monthly.
“It is unacceptable that the girl-child, especially in the rural communities still face challenges whenever she is on her period, thereby affecting her education.
“At RHI, we believe girls should not be forced to choose between their dignity and education, hence, the launch of this intervention.
“The menstrual health intervention involved the procurement of 370,000 customised sanitary pads, with a total expenditure of N2,550,297,150.
“Each state in the country will receive 10,000 packs and a one-year supply of the sanitary pads”.
The President’s wife urged local government chairmen, who are closer to the communities, to take ownership of the intervention to ensure the pads reach the intended schoolgirls.
She further encouraged the schoolgirls to make the best use of the sanitary pads, stay in school, be confident and not allow stigma to hinder their educational goals.
Earlier, Dr Tonia Mbagwu, HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator, Anambra State Ministry of Health, while educating the schoolgirls on menstrual hygiene, described Menstruation as a natural part of growing up.
“Keeping good hygiene during your period helps you stay healthy and confident. Always change your sanitary pad every four to six hours to prevent infection and odor.
“Wash your hands before and after changing pads, keep your private area clean with water and mild soap, dispose of used pads properly in a bin, not the toilet.
“Remember, menstruation is not a disease or a curse, it is normal; do not feel shy or ashamed. Take care of yourself and support your friends too,” she said.
Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission in the state expressed gratitude to the President’s the Governor’s wives for their dedication to the health and well-being of the girl child.
Speaking on behalf of the schoolgirls, Ifeyinwa Ezeoke of Our Lady School, Nnobi, thanked the President’s and
Governor’s wives for providing the pad which would ease the menstrual challenges.
“With these pads we can stay confident and focused on our education without worry, “she said.
NAN reports that the governor’s wife already launched pad banks in 300 schools in the state unveiled the Healthy Living Pad Bank portal to aid regular supply to schools.
