Stakeholders in Kaduna State have called for the establishment of pad banks in schools as part of efforts to address period poverty and ensure that girls do not miss classes due to a lack of sanitary products.
The call was made during the commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World,” organised by the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) in collaboration with the One Tribe Initiative in Narayi, Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the One Tribe Initiative, Magdalene Habiba Musa, said the provision of pad banks in schools would provide immediate support to girls who experience unexpected menstruation during school hours.
She said many girls are often caught unprepared when their menstrual cycle begins in school, a situation that affects their confidence, personal hygiene and participation in academic activities.
“We are advocating for schools to establish pad banks where sanitary products will be readily available for girls whose periods start unexpectedly while in school. This will help them remain comfortable and continue learning without disruption,” she said.
Musa also stressed the need to break societal silence around menstruation, noting that myths and cultural taboos continue to hinder efforts aimed at addressing menstrual health challenges.
According to her, creating awareness and encouraging open discussions on menstruation are critical steps towards building a period-friendly society.
Also speaking, the Founder and Executive Director of the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), Mrs Olanike Olugbodi Daramola, said rising economic hardship has made disposable sanitary pads unaffordable for many families, thereby worsening period poverty among women and girls.
She disclosed that the organisation had trained 40 women leaders on the production of reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable alternative to expensive disposable products.
“Disposable sanitary pads are becoming increasingly expensive. We realised that many girls and women would continue to suffer if affordable alternatives are not provided. Through this initiative, women can learn how to produce reusable pads for personal use and income generation,” she said.
Daramola added that the initiative would not only improve access to menstrual hygiene products but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing waste associated with disposable sanitary materials.
She explained that the programme adopted a train-the-trainer model, enabling participants to return to their communities and pass on the skills to other women and girls.
Participants at the event also called for stronger policy support, increased awareness campaigns and community engagement to eliminate stigma surrounding menstruation and improve access to menstrual health products.
The proprietress of Spovep Kiddiz Academy, Narayi, Kaduna, Ms Esther Oboro, commended the organisers for choosing the school as the venue for the programme, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
One of the students, Angela Chigozie, who won a one-year tuition scholarship during a spelling competition organised as part of the event, urged stakeholders to sustain menstrual hygiene awareness programmes in schools.
She expressed optimism that students would benefit from the training on reusable sanitary pads, both for personal use and entrepreneurial opportunities.
