Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The African Immigrants Resources Centre intensifies efforts against period poverty by distributing menstrual hygiene products to vulnerable schoolgirls in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State.
The intervention, carried out under the organisation’s Give A Girl A Pad initiative, targets underserved communities to improve menstrual hygiene, support girls’ health and reduce school absenteeism linked to lack of sanitary products.
Convener of the initiative, Chimezie Oji-Kalu, on Tuesday says the outreach at Redeemer Schools, Karu and Aunty Alice Schools, Mararaba, forms part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration.
“Menstruation is a natural process, but it can be a source of shame, stigma and discomfort for many girls,” Oji-Kalu says through the FCT and Nasarawa Coordinator, Rita Egbuta.
“By providing sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education, we aim to reduce absenteeism, promote girls’ education and empower them to take control of their health.”
The organisation says more than 1,400 girls in Abuja and Nasarawa receive sanitary pads in May alone, while similar interventions reach over 300 girls in Abia, 5,000 girls and women in Imo, 500 girls in Lagos and 1,200 students in Rivers State.
Media personnel for the initiative, Angela Igboanugo, says the outreach also educates girls on personal hygiene, menstrual health management and self-confidence.
Representing the host school, Franca Ejembi, describes the programme as timely, especially for girls from low-income families struggling to afford sanitary pads amid economic hardship.
The organisation, however, identifies inadequate funding and limited access to vulnerable communities as major obstacles affecting expansion of the programme nationwide.
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