Period Poverty Threatens Education Of Thousands Of Nigerian Girls, Foundation Raises Alarm

 Lagos – The growing challenge of period poverty in Nigeria has again come under the spotlight, with the Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation warning that thousands of girls remain at risk of losing educational opportunities, confidence and dignity due to lack of access to menstrual health products and support systems.

The foundation made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day held at Isolog College, Akute, Ogun State, where stakeholders urged collective action to ensure that no girl is disadvantaged because of menstruation.

The event, themed, “The Pad Bank Movement: Ending Period Poverty Together,” brought together students, teachers, advocates, development partners and community stakeholders to promote menstrual health awareness and strengthen efforts aimed at eliminating barriers faced by girls during their menstrual cycles.

Speaking at the programme, the Founder of Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation, Mrs Theresa Moses, described menstruation as a natural biological process that should never become a source of discrimination, shame or educational disadvantage for girls.

She expressed concern that period poverty continues to affect thousands of girls across the country, forcing many to miss classes, withdraw from social engagements and, in some cases, resort to unsafe alternatives due to inadequate access to sanitary products.

According to her, the situation remains a critical challenge requiring sustained intervention from governments, schools, corporate organisations, parents and development partners.

Mrs Moses explained that the foundation established the Pad Bank Movement as a sustainable response to the challenge, ensuring that girls have access to menstrual products whenever the need arises.

She noted that the initiative represents more than a distribution mechanism for sanitary materials, describing it as a platform for dignity, inclusion and empowerment.

“The pad bank is more than a storage facility for sanitary pads. It is a symbol of hope, dignity, inclusion and empowerment. It ensures that no girl has to suffer in silence because of her period,” she said.

The foundation disclosed that it has impacted more than 10,000 girls and women through menstrual health education, advocacy campaigns, sanitary pad distribution and empowerment programmes implemented in schools, rural communities and underserved areas.

Mrs Moses further called for the establishment of pad banks in schools across the country, stressing that collaborative efforts remain essential to ending period poverty and safeguarding the educational future of girls.

Addressing students at the event, she urged them not to view menstruation as a source of embarrassment but rather as a sign of healthy growth and development.

She encouraged them to seek support when necessary, ask questions freely and remain focused on achieving their aspirations.

A major highlight of the event was an educational session delivered by media expert and life coach, Mrs Amina Omoike, who spoke on the topic, “Ending Period Poverty Together.”

Mrs Omoike challenged persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, describing the monthly cycle as a normal biological process experienced by women and girls around the world.

She emphasised that period poverty extends beyond the inability to purchase sanitary pads, noting that inadequate access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, menstrual health information and social support also contributes significantly to the problem.

According to her, the consequences of period poverty are far-reaching, including school absenteeism, reduced self-confidence, health risks, anxiety and social isolation among affected girls.

“There are girls who stay home for several days every month because they have no menstrual products. Imagine missing classes every month through no fault of your own,” she said.

Mrs Omoike urged young girls to become informed about menstrual health, support one another and reject harmful beliefs that perpetuate stigma around menstruation.

She also called on parents, schools and communities to create safe and supportive environments where menstrual health issues can be discussed openly without fear, shame or discrimination.

In her closing remarks, she encouraged participants not to allow menstruation to undermine their confidence or ambitions, stressing that personal character, talents, dreams and determination remain the true measures of individual potential.

The event also featured recognition of corporate organisations, sponsors and partners whose contributions supported the programme and the foundation’s broader campaign against period poverty.

Among those acknowledged was Prostar Sports International, which provided customised jerseys for members and volunteers of the foundation as part of its support for the initiative.

The foundation also recognised BL Consulting and Vitabaites Foods for their contributions and commitment to community-focused development initiatives.

Media partners were equally commended for amplifying awareness campaigns on menstrual health and girls’ empowerment.

Mrs Moses described the media as critical stakeholders in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and educating communities on issues affecting girls and women.

The management of Isolog College, Akute, was also praised for providing a platform for the programme and demonstrating commitment to the health, education and welfare of young girls.

According to the foundation, the broad support received from schools, businesses, civil society organisations, the media and community stakeholders underscores the growing recognition that ending period poverty requires a coordinated and sustained effort.

Beneficiaries of the programme described the event as impactful, educational and empowering, with many students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge of menstrual health, hygiene and personal well-being.

Stakeholders at the event maintained that until every girl has unrestricted access to menstrual products, information and support, the fight against period poverty remains an urgent social responsibility requiring collective national action.