To combat period poverty, 500 secondary school girls in Abuja have received sanitary pads to last six months, ensuring they stay in school with confidence and dignity.
The initiative was funded through the RCA Women’s Run, an event organised by the Run Club Abuja, RCA, in celebration of International Women’s Day, IWD, marked annually on March 8.
Stephanie Adamu, Secretary of the RCA Women’s Run Organising Committee and Project Coordinator, said 500 women participated in the run to raise funds for the sanitary towels.
She described the gesture as part of RCA’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, and urged more organisations to support similar initiatives.
“This initiative is part of our CSR, so that we can help support the menstrual health of these young schoolgirls,” she said.
Temitope Oguche, Founder of the Gracious Sacrificial Daughters Fellowship Foundation, a partner in the initiative, highlighted the impact on girls’ education, noting that proper hygiene would enable them to learn without shame or stigma.
At Junior Secondary School, Nyanya II, one of the beneficiary schools, Principal Michael Edoh welcomed the initiative, calling it a relief for both students and parents, especially in the face of economic challenges.
“There had been instances when students suddenly started their periods during class, and teachers had to provide sanitary towels when none were available,” he said, appealing for the initiative to be extended to more schools in underprivileged communities.
Zainab Ibrahim, a beneficiary from Government Secondary School Garki, expressed gratitude, explaining that her parents often struggle to afford sanitary towels for her and two siblings.
“This donation will ease the burden on my family, allowing them to use their resources for other essentials,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Blessing Udeh, called for the initiative to reach more schools across Abuja, so more girls could benefit.
Other schools that received the sanitary towels include Government Secondary School Maitama, GSS Jabi, and GSS Gwarimpa.
NAN
