In rural Nigeria, the journey to education, health, and social progress for young girls is often hindered by the pervasive challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene management. Shockingly, over 500 million women and girls worldwide lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene, and in Nigeria, a staggering 25% of girls and women face the daily struggle of insufficient privacy for menstrual hygiene management. The repercussions are profound, with one in 10 African girls missing school during their menstrual period, perpetuating a cycle of educational setbacks that can lead to long-term consequences. This educational crisis stems from issues such as the lack of functional and segregated toilets, limited access to menstrual hygiene information, and the scarcity of sanitary materials, leaving countless girls on the sidelines of education. Beyond the walls of their classrooms, access to sanitary pads remains a dire challenge, with over 37 million Nigerian girls and women of reproductive age struggling with the unaffordability of menstrual hygiene products. This economic barrier, known as period poverty, not only hampers educational attendance but also exposes young girls to health risks due to the use of unsafe alternatives like paper, clothing, or rags. The health implications are severe, ranging from urinary tract infections to reproductive organ infections, and in extreme cases, infertility and life-threatening conditions such as toxic shock sepsis. The urgency to address this multifaceted crisis is evident, requiring a comprehensive and well-tailored health program designed to empower these girls and uplift their communities.
One Girl, One Pad is a timely intervention project aimed at dismantling the barriers that hinder the progress of girls in rural Nigeria. Grounded in the harsh reality that period poverty affects millions, this program is fueled by a vision of ensuring that every girl has access to menstrual hygiene management, educational resources, and the health support necessary for her to flourish. It's popularly postulated that 'if condom could be freely distributed why not pad?. Sex is a choice, menstruation is not', hence the necessity for this program implementation. This intervention move is not merely about providing pads but is a holistic approach addressing infrastructure gaps, social stigmas, and economic disparities that perpetuate the challenges faced by these young girls. One Girl, One Pad is not just a program; it's a commitment to securing a future where no girl is held back by menstruation, where education is a right, and where health is a priority for every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background. Our mission is to empower girls to confidently manage their menstrual hygiene, ensuring they can attend school regularly, pursue their education, and lead healthy lives.
Access to Sanitary Pads: To ensure a sustainable supply of sanitary products, collaboration with sister NGOs will be prioritized. This effort is to help us create a robust system that can meet the ongoing demand for menstrual hygiene products. In addition to providing pads and creating a pad bank, regular Menstrual Health Workshops in schools will be organized to, educate girls on proper hygiene practices and the correct usage of sanitary pads. Recognizing the critical role of infrastructure in menstrual hygiene management, through this program, we will advocate for and collaborate with local governments to improve and maintain functional, segregated toilet facilities in schools. This ensures that girls have a safe and private space for managing their menstrual hygiene. Simultaneously, efforts will be directed towards providing clean and accessible water sources in schools and communities, enhancing overall hygiene practices. Join us in this crucial endeavor as we strive to create lasting change, one girl at a time.