Funmi Ogundare
As part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, the Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has reached over 8,500 vulnerable women and girls with menstrual hygiene support across Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Nigeria.
The foundation said the intervention, which focuses on restoring dignity and improving menstrual health, is currently being implemented in Area 1 Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja, Ortese IDP Camp in Benue State, and Kadarko IDP Camp in Nasarawa State.
The Founder, Theresa Moses, explained that the outreach aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain: Investing in Girls’ Health and Dignity’.
According to her, the initiative involves the distribution of sanitary pads as well as menstrual hygiene education aimed at helping girls manage their health with confidence.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that investing in girls is investing in the future of our communities. Through this outreach, we are not only distributing sanitary pads but also restoring dignity, confidence and hope to thousands of women and girls,” she said.
Beyond sanitary pads, the beneficiaries also received exercise books, writing materials and food items to support their education and overall wellbeing.
Moses further disclosed that through its ‘Access Pad Me A Girl: initiative, supported by Access Bank, it has established a pad bank that enables the monthly distribution of free sanitary pads to women and girls in IDP camps.
She noted that the initiative provides sustainable support to displaced girls and women who previously struggled to manage their menstrual health.
The founder added, “no girl should lose her confidence, dignity or education because she cannot afford sanitary pads. With stronger partnerships and support, we can reach thousands more girls and women across Nigeria.”
She reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its outreach to more communities while continuing advocacy for menstrual health awareness, education and empowerment for girls and women across the country.
Speaking on the Abuja outreach, the foundation Coordinator in Abuja, Mrs. Blessing Amos, described the programme as a life-changing intervention for many girls in the camps.
“Many girls face serious challenges managing their menstrual health. Providing sanitary pads, educational materials and food gives them confidence and hope and helps them remain focused on their education despite difficult circumstances,” she said.
Similarly, the Benue State Coordinator, Mrs. Salome Edwin Alamoh, stressed the need to sustain such interventions, particularly in camps where the demand for menstrual hygiene support remains high.
“In camps like Ortese, the need for menstrual hygiene support is very high. This outreach is about giving girls a sense of dignity and reminding them they are not forgotten,” she said.
The foundation also used the occasion of International Women’s Day to call on government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners and individuals to support initiatives aimed at promoting menstrual health and the dignity of women and girls.
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