More than 100 schoolgirls in Ogun State have received free sanitary pads and learning materials from the Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation in an effort to improve menstrual health, protect girls’ dignity and support school attendance.
The outreach, held on October 21 at Igbesa High School (Junior) in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, also featured menstrual hygiene education, reading activities and mentorship to mark the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The foundation distributed sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene pamphlets, exercise books and pens to girls in Junior Secondary School classes 1 to 3 who participate in the school’s reading clubs.
The programme was organised by Oyelami Yetunde Anuoluwapo and Blessing Kappo, teachers and Teach For Nigeria Fellows at the school, following their appeal for sanitary products, learning materials and health education support.
The foundation’s founder, Theresa Moses, responded to the request and led an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management, emphasising the importance of access to sanitary products and accurate information in helping girls manage menstruation confidently and participate fully in school activities.
Moses said sustained investment in girls’ health and education was essential to protecting their future, adding that no girl should miss school because of her period.
“Invest in girls and Nigeria will rise. Every girl deserves dignity, education and the right to dream beyond child marriage. That is why we are here; to ensure no girl misses school because of her period,” she said.
The outreach aligned with the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
The event also featured a student drama on the effects of child marriage, alongside reading and mentorship activities aimed at encouraging the girls to understand their rights, value education and pursue their aspirations.
In a letter of appreciation, Oyelami and Kappo said the intervention improved the students’ understanding of menstrual health and hygiene while helping to build their confidence.
“You did not just give pads; you gave our girls confidence and hope,” the teachers wrote on behalf of the school community, expressing hope for continued collaboration with the foundation.
The Assistant Divisional Commissioner of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State Branch, Mrs Amarachi Eze, also commended the foundation for supporting the girls’ hygiene needs and development.
The foundation’s Media Coordinator, Oluwatosin Simon Faleye, called on corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and individuals to support efforts to tackle period poverty and help girls remain in school.
“For over a year, we have been committed to ending period poverty and keeping girls in school. We call on corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause for the betterment of Nigeria,” Faleye said.
The foundation acknowledged the support of partners and sponsors, including Access Bank, Pro Star Sports International, BL Consulting, Vita Baites Foods, Checkers, Senator Ireti Kingibe and the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS), as well as individuals and media organisations supporting its work on menstrual health education and girls’ empowerment.