An Education Development Expert, Dr Frances Alimigbe, on Thursday distributed 300 reusable pads to the Waru Junior Secondary school, Abuja, in commemoration of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Alimigbe, who is the focal person for the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) at the Teachers Registration Council Nigeria (TRCN), said the gesture was to mark her 50th birthday.
She also said that the gesture was to meet the needs of the less privileged.
According to her, today is my 50th birthday and it coincided with the annual menstrual hygiene day observed every May 28; so I have come here to first celebrate my birthday and equally share the menstrual kit with them.
“Two months ago, I came around to do need analysis, and found out that the children here are from IDP camps, and some of them do not have pads to use when menstruating.
“Some of them don’t even use anything, they just feel uncomfortable and won’t be able to sit.
‘So from my past experience as a child who had similar experience, I thought it better to celebrate this remarkable milestone with this children.”
Alimigbe, while raising awareness about menstrual health, stressed the need to provide support for the downtrodden in the society.
She noted that many of the girls were from IDP camps and would be unable to afford basic menstrual hygiene products.
“So today, I am giving them a reusable menstrual kit that can last up to two years. This is not a one-off gesture. It’s the beginning of an ongoing commitment.
“We plan to come back, learn more, and address other hygiene and health challenges these girls face.
“Together, we can break the silence, restore dignity, and give every girl the chance to thrive,” she said.
Meanwhile, Buoma Alimigbe, a Pharmacist, speaking on the 2025 world menstrual hygiene day theme: “Together for a Period Friendly World”, stressed the need for a collective action by all to ensure that menstruation did not limit access to education, health or opportunity.
According to her, the world we live in today is very misogynistic and patriarchal with women who are not recognised enough.
“If men were the ones having periods, I believe things will be very different from how they are currently.
“Women having periods is seen as something that causes separation from society, it is something that brings stigmatisation but in my own view, it is the source of life to all human beings.
“It is something every one should understand better and be proud of.”
She also advocated for “menstrual banks” in schools to ensure consistent access to sanitary products for disadvantaged girls.
Similarly, Tabitha Abimiku, Executive Director, Virtuous Pads explaining the importance of reusable pads to the students said it not only serve a health function but are a sustainable alternative to disposable pads.
Abimiku said that this aligned with long-term educational and developmental goals.
”Periods don’t stop because of poverty. Girls miss up to five days of school monthly due to lack of pads.
“This reusable pads give them back that time, restore their dignity, and protect their future,” she explained.
Reacting, Mrs Ramat-Etamesor Omenegwe, Vice Principal (Admim) of the school, commended the gesture and solicited for more support for the girl child to remain in school
”We already have a small menstrual bank here. Pads from events like this are stored and distributed when girls need them. But we need more NGOs and individuals to sustain it,” she said. (NAN)
