By Ahmed Ahmed
A Bauchi-based non-governmental organization, Leadtots Development Initiative, has called for the establishment of pad banks in formal and non-formal schools to ensure uninterrupted educational pursuit of the girl child.
According to Nicholas Oshojah Afeso, Executive Director of Leadtots Development Initiative, the organization is implementing the Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Education Project funded by Global Affairs, Canada, through PLAN International in Bauchi.
He said the initiative aims to improve reproductive health for girls, women, and vulnerable groups.
Afeso emphasized the need for critical stakeholders to support the initiative, ensuring that adolescent girls can attend school without interruptions due to menstruation.
Health practitioner Mrs. Rifkatu Ibrahim Joga highlighted the significance of pad banks in schools, citing the World’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, first celebrated globally on May 28, 2013.
Joga noted that adolescent girls often miss 4-5 days of classes monthly due to menstruation, facing challenges like lack of pads, clean toilets, and running water.
Mr. Danjuma Moses Kusko emphasized the role of government in financing and advancing menstrual hygiene management in schools.
He urged the government to develop a policy framework, budgetary allocation, and awareness campaign to reduce stigma amongst adolescent girls.
The meeting, which featured donations of pad banks to selected secondary schools, drew participants from civil society organizations, academia, faith-based organizations, PLWD, and the media.
Participants pledged to support the initiative, ensuring the creation of awareness campaigns to establish pad banks in schools and guarantee the educational pursuit of the girl child.
