Foundation Tackles Poverty In Abuja, Distributes Sanitary Towels To Over 300 Students

Abuja, Nigeria –  The Neem Foundation, a leading crisis response NGO, has distributed sanitary towels to over 300 junior secondary school students in Abuja as part of its ongoing efforts to combat period poverty.

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with Regent Schools Abuja at JSS Jabi 1, aims to ensure that girls can attend school without interruption due to menstruation.

Head of Legal at Neem Foundation, Nancy Oyibo, emphasized the importance of normalising conversations around menstrual health and hygiene.

  She stressed that access to sanitary products is crucial for the well-being and dignity of all women and girls.

Oyibo highlighted the financial strain caused by inflation, stating that many girls cannot afford sanitary towels, leading to health issues and missed school days.

This distribution, she explained, is the second in Abuja, with similar initiatives already undertaken in Maiduguri.

The foundation’s ultimate goal is to establish “pad banks” in schools.

Legal Assistant Aliyyah Abdulkadir reinforced the message, stating that no girl should have to choose between education and menstrual care.

She urged the students to become agents of change, educating their peers and breaking the silence surrounding menstrual hygiene.

The initiative also ties into the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Executive Assistant Aisha Muniru Mai highlighted the connection between period poverty and access to education, emphasising the need to address this often-overlooked barrier to girls’ schooling.

The program also included educating students on identifying and reporting violence.

Dr. Grace Ifeyinwa Onyeanusi, Director/Principal of JSS Jabi 1, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its significant impact on students’ hygiene and well-being.

A beneficiary, JSS 3 student Tega Praise Ogaga, shared her personal experience of having to resort to using rags or multiple pairs of underwear due to a lack of sanitary towels.

She expressed immense relief at receiving the donation, stating it would alleviate the financial burden on her family.

Neem Foundation’s commitment extends beyond this single distribution.

The organisation plans further initiatives to address the systemic issues contributing to period poverty, promoting open dialogue about menstrual health and ensuring all girls have access to the resources they need to thrive.