The Girl Child Sanitary Pad Initiative: A Journey of Hope and Empowerment
In November 2023, The Girl Child Sanitary Pad Initiative (TGCSPI) embarked on a mission to ensure that no girl in Nigeria misses school or feels ashamed due to menstrual hygiene challenges. By August 2024, the initiative has empowered 269 teenage girls across Lagos State, navigating numerous obstacles with determination and resilience.
One of TGCSPI’s notable campaigns was ‘Join Me to Pad 100 Girls this Festive Period’, launched last December. The ambition was to distribute sanitary pads to 100 girls in the slum areas of Isolo, Lagos.
Unfortunately, due to limited financial and material support, the team could only reach 50 girls. The Initiative’s Founder Ms. Adewole Kafaya Mariam recalls the effort, “Walking through the streets under the blazing sun, trying to call attention and distribute pads, was incredibly challenging. It was heartbreaking to know we couldn’t help everyone we wanted to.”
In May 2024, the initiative achieved a significant milestone by receiving its Certificate of Incorporation from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This recognition bolstered TGCSPI’s credibility and opened new opportunities for growth.
For the first quarter of 2024, TGCSPI aimed to visit five public schools in Isolo and Mushin, Lagos, to educate and distribute sanitary pads.
Although financial constraints limited them to two schools, the impact was still profound. At Isolo Junior/High School on March 5th, the team reached about 50 students.
On July 11th, the team visited Ajumoni Junior/Secondary School in Mushin, where they conducted an interactive session on menstrual hygiene and distributed sanitary pads to girls in JSS 1 and 2.
The number of students who wanted pads were more than what we could give.
One of the school teachers inquired if we could allocate a portion of the donation to the school’s sick bay.
The teacher noted that many of the girls often come to the sick bay requesting pads, and occasionally, the staff feels compelled to purchase them personally, “My team and I assured the teacher that we will address this need during our next visit to the school.”
The students shared their experiences and challenges. The response from schools has been encouraging, with management teams providing the necessary support and time for educational sessions.
A partnership with FeedyBakery in August 2024 allowed TGCSPI to engage with teenage girls during a holiday coaching session. This interaction included a discussion on menstrual health and the distribution of sanitary products.
A particularly poignant moment emerged when a girl shared her early menstruation struggles: initially, her periods were irregular, sometimes lasting a month, then ceasing for 2 to 3 months, only returning when she used antibiotics. Eventually, she confided in her mother, who sought medical advice, leading to a normalization of her menstrual flow.
Additionally, we provide sanitary pads to individuals who seek our support, though these instances are often not recorded.
We also assisted a young adult in another state who had been using rags due to financial constraints by sending her a cash donation equivalent to six months’ worth of sanitary pads.
The acquisition of a Certificate of Incorporation is a step toward greater recognition, and the organization is in the process of opening a corporate account to better manage its resources. “We’re looking forward to collaborations that will help us expand our reach and continue empowering girls,” Mariam notes.
The initiative’s work goes beyond distributing pads; it’s about restoring dignity and providing girls with the tools to manage their menstrual health confidently.
As Mariam Adewole puts it, “Every girl deserves the chance to attend school without shame and to feel empowered about her body.
We’re committed to making that happen, but we need more support to reach every girl in need.”
The initiative faces significant challenges. Rising costs of sanitary products, transportation issues due to fuel price increases, and limited financial support have restricted their ability to reach more girls. “Our purchasing power has diminished,” Mariam explains.
“We’re struggling to buy pads in bulk and meet the needs of all the girls who reach out to us.”
The Girl Child Sanitary Pad Initiative is seeking increased support from international organizations and Nigerian authorities to expand its reach, enhance programs, and empower more girls.
It’s journey is one of hope and dedication. The initiative’s ongoing efforts to overcome challenges and make a difference in the lives of young girls reflect a powerful commitment to social change. With continued support and partnerships, TGCSPI aims to broaden its impact and ensure that no girl has to face the challenges of menstruation alone.
ALSO READ: Empowering Young Girls: The Girl Child Sanitary Pad Initiative’s Transformative Journey
