In the dusty Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Area 1, Durumi, Abuja and Ortese Camp, Benue state, thousands of girls and women face unimaginable daily struggle.
Menstruation, a natural part of woman’s life, has become a source of shame, discomfort, and health risks to some displaced persons due to lack of access to sanitary pads.
Due to the poverty stricken nature of some of these women, they defy the poor hygiene nature and resort to the use of pieces of dirty clothes, leaves, newspaper as substitutes for pads.
Meeting Farida Abubakar, a 14-year-old internally displaced person, was a revelation. She has been living in the Area 1, IDP Camp in Abuja for a long time while Sewuese Terfa, a 16-year-old IDP girl from the Ortese IDP Camp in Benue, also gave shocking experiences of what they go through every month in the process of arresting their monthly menstrual flow.
According to Farida Abubakar, with her voice laced with frustration said, “When I get my period, I’m forced to use pieces of clothes because I don’t have money to procure sanitary pads. To Sewuese Terfa, “Sanitary pads are expensive and a luxury. I need to eat first before I sort my menstrual cycle,” Comfort narrated as she looked quivered.
Their stories are not peculiar as millions of other girls and women in Nigeria face similar challenges due to poverty. The lack of access to sanitary pads affect not only their health, but also their dignity, self-esteem, and education.
But there is hope, said Theresa Moses, convener, PAD Me A Girl Project. “The “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” a project of Gatmash Media, in partnership with Access Bank, has launched a ‘Pad Bank’ to provide free reusable sanitary pads to girls and women in need. The initiative is aimed at promoting menstrual health and hygiene, particularly among IDPs in Abuja and Benue, with other states coming soon”.
The reusable pads are designed to be sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. They can be washed and reused multiple times, thereby reducing the need for disposable pads and minimizing waste. The initiative also promotes menstrual hygiene education, teaching girls and women how to properly use, wash, and store their reusable pads.
Essentially, the ‘Pad Bank’ initiative is designed to ensure continuous delivery of sanitary pads to the IDP camps, and providing a sustainable solution to menstrual poverty. The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 5: Gender Equality; SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Access Bank’s contribution to the initiative is significant. The bank has provided resources to support the ‘Pad Bank’ initiative, enabling the distribution of reusable pads to IDP girls and women. Access Bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development is evident in its partnership with the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative.”
Aisha Adamu, one of the beneficiaries, said knowing that there will be continuous access to sanitary pads every month is more than joyous for her.
“I’m grateful for the sanitary pads. I can now attend school without worrying about my period,” Joy Terseer, a 12-year-old IDP girl, reiterated.
“The pads have given me confidence. I feel like I can face the world again and do exploit unlike before when fears of insults and shame from sudden appearance of my period, kept me in limbo,” another beneficiaries, Hadiza Ibrahim, 15-year-old IDP girl, expressed her joy and fulfillment
Others who commended Gatmash Media for the freebies said, “I use pieces of clothes during my period, but now I feel empowered.” – Ojime Doose, 13-year-old IDP girl explained while Washima Shachia , a 16-year-old IDP girl added, “This pad bank will be a life changer. I will no longer be held back by my period.”
“I’m thankful for the support. The menstrual hygiene education have improved my health and well-being,” Esther Ayuba, 14-year-old IDP girl, added to the clusters of voices that spoke.
Responding to the kind gesture on the IDP women, Ms. Lizzy Asan, the Benue state coordinator of the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” expressed gratitude to the organization for addressing the critical issue of menstrual poverty among IDPs.
“This initiative has brought relief and dignity to our girls and women. We’ve seen a significant improvement in their confidence and we’re grateful for the sustainable solution provided by the reusable sanitary pads and the Pad Bank.”
Mrs. Liyatu Yusuf, the women leader at the Durumi IDP Camp, Area 1, Abuja, also shared her joy and appreciation for the initiative. “We were struggling to afford sanitary pads, and this initiative has been a game-changer.
“The pads are comfortable, reusable, and easy to maintain. Our girls can now attend school without worrying about their periods, and we’re grateful for the menstrual hygiene education provided,” she reiterated.
On his part, Alhaji Ibrahim Amadu, Camp Chairman of the Durumi Area 1 IDP Camp in Abuja, commended the organization for their thoughtful initiative. “This project has brought hope and dignity to our girls and women. We’re grateful for the support, and we’re looking forward to continued supply of the pads as the impact of this initiative would be felt for a long time, and we’re thankful for the organization’s commitment to improving the lives of IDPs.”
Checkers Custard, a renowned brand in Nigeria, has been a valuable partner to the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” in its quest to promote menstrual health and hygiene among IDPs. The brand’s contribution to the initiative has been significant, providing its products, Checkers Custard and Pap Flavour, to IDP families and supporting their nutritional needs.
By partnering with the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” Checkers Custard has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. The brand’s involvement in the initiative has not only provided sustenance to IDP families but also helped to promote dignity and well-being among girls and women.
Other partners include: Vita Baites Foods, makers of Kuli-kuli snacks (Peanut Cookies), an indigenous brand in Nigeria, has also partnered with the “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” to provide its delicious crunchy kuli-kuli to IDP families. The brand’s nutritional products have been a valuable addition to the initiative, supporting the health and well-being of IDP girls and women.
The kuli-kuli, made from nutritious ingredients, provides a healthy snack option for IDPs. Vita Baites Foods’ commitment to quality and nutrition is evident in its products, which have been well-received by IDP families.
Other sponsors includes Pristar Sports International, a prominent sports equipment and apparel company, Jeffery Kuaran Foundation, Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), and other individuals who want to be anonymous.