Bukola Afeni
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Abuja Unity Chapter, in collaboration with Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF) and other organizations, has donated menstrual pads to over 500 girls and women in the Federal Capital Territory.
The group distributed sanitary pads to adolescent girls aged 13-17 at Junior Secondary School Gwarinpa, Abuja, and to women living at an IDP camp in Kaura District.
This donation is part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
Speaking to journalists at JSS Gwarinpa, the Program Director of Sam Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Kiema Ogunlana, said the outreach aims to educate girls and women on the importance of menstrual hygiene.
“The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is ‘Give to Gain,’ and we are here in line with this mandate to impart knowledge about menstrual hygiene to our young ones. We want them to understand the peculiarities of menstrual management.”
According to her, the awareness program also included boys, who were informed about the menstrual cycle.
“We sensitized the boys to understand what girls go through during menstruation. We made them realize that girls should not be laughed at during this period.”
The Program Director encouraged the students not to feel stigmatized during their menstrual cycles.
“Some girls feel ashamed and stigmatized, especially in situations where they lack access to water for cleanup.
We urge them not to be discouraged but to seek better ways to practice hygiene during their cycles.”
She called on the government to establish sanitary pad banks where girls can access menstrual pads.
“We are also calling for subsidized pad banks, provision of clean water, and timely WASH funding to make things easier for girls during their monthly cycles.It is sad that period poverty is rising, with many girls unable to afford sanitary pads.”
JCI Abuja Unity Chapter President, Ambassador Unwana Bright Ekong, called on the Federal Ministry of Education and other agencies to ensure government schools have adequate toilets to improve student hygiene.
“We are calling on the government to ensure our public schools meet good standards and provide conducive environments at all times.”
She urged the students to understand that menstruation is not a sickness but a natural part of the female cycle.
“The collaborative drive is to destigmatize myths, foster hygiene education, ensures proper pad disposal, and empowers girls for confident womanhood.”
Past President of JCI Abuja Unity, Joy Lawrence, said the program was organized to improve hygiene among young girls in the FCT.
“This is part of JCI’s efforts to provide pads and promote confidence among girls. We encourage other organizations to contribute in their own ways to make a difference in the country.
“We urge corporate organizations and the government to support girls’ education by providing adequate water and toilets in government schools.”
A student recipient, AbdulRaheem Rukayat, commended the organizers for donating sanitary pads to her school.
“I want other NGOs to step in and support female students struggling to buy menstrual hygiene kits. This program has boosted my confidence and will have a ripple effect on my peers.”
In the same vein, the group proceeded to Kaura community in the Federal Capital Territory, where they distributed sanitary pads and food items to more than 300 women.
Another beneficiary at the Kaura District outreach, Rekiya Adamu, expressed gratitude, stating that the menstrual pads are a form of empowerment for her community.
