The wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has launched the ‘Pad a Girl Initiative’ aimed at providing free sanitary pads to over 10,000 teenage girls across the state.
Mrs Nwifuru said, during the launch, at the community secondary school, Ndiuruku Amagu in Abakaliki Local Government Area, that the initiative was in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Sen Remi Tinubu.
The Ebonyi governor’s wife said the initiave was also in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Education, Health, Women Affairs and Social Development including her Better Health for Rural Women (BERWO) foundation.
”This initiative was designed to promote hygiene, dignity, confidence, and school attendance among girls, particularly those in rural communities.
”Many young girls miss classes during their menstrual periods over lack of access to sanitary pads as menstruation should not be a barrier to education or self-esteem.
“The initiative will provide sanitary pads and menstrual education to thousands of girls while also breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation,” she said.
She noted that girls deserved opportunities to grow, learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
”Menstruation is natural and with the right information and support, every girl can manage it confidently.
“Girls should believe in themselves, maintain personal hygiene and avoid negative influences capable of limiting their potentials.
“I appreciate the Ebonyi governor for implementing policies that support women and the girl-child in achieving their full potentials,” she said.
The Chairperson of BERWO, Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, cautioned girls against misconceptions linking menstruation with sexual activity, warning against abuse associated with such false beliefs.
“Girls must be encouraged at all times to achieve their life ambitions and any obstacle to such realization should be checked,” she said.
The Coordinator of Abakaliki Development Centre of Abakaliki LGA, Mr John Nwofoke, commended the state government for promoting hygiene and ensuring girl-child development.
The traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community, HRH Fidelis Nwonumaru said that the traditional institution would assist relevant authorities to enhance the well-being of the girl-child.
Miss Chinenye Ogu, one of the beneficiries thanked Mrs Nwifuru for the gesture and promised to be a worthy ambassador of the initiative.
