Hussaini Ibrahim 
Bauchi, Nigeria – Population Services International, PSI Nigeria, trains women and adolescent girls in Bauchi State to market and distribute reusable sanitary pads, combining menstrual health education with economic empowerment.
The one-day training, held in Bauchi on Friday in partnership with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, brings together at least 20 participants from diverse communities.
The programme focuses on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and basic business planning, aiming to strengthen access to affordable menstrual hygiene products while creating income opportunities at community level.
A PSI Nigeria official, Plangnan Dashe, says the initiative responds to persistent barriers faced by girls and women in low-income and rural settings.
“The high cost of disposable sanitary products limits access to safe menstrual hygiene options for many girls, especially in rural communities,” Dashe says. “This initiative provides a sustainable and affordable alternative.”
She explains that reusable sanitary pads are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly, while empowering women as distributors and micro-entrepreneurs.
A reusable pad producer, Adah Samuel, says the products are made from locally sourced, safe materials and are designed for durability.
“When properly washed and maintained, reusable sanitary pads can last for up to two years,” Samuel says, noting that the long lifespan significantly reduces costs for users.
The Gender Desk Officer of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Amina Balali, describes the intervention as timely, particularly for rural communities where unsafe menstrual practices remain common.
She says improved access to affordable menstrual products will enhance the health and wellbeing of women and adolescent girls and support better school attendance.
Beneficiaries of the training are expected to act as pioneer distributors in their communities, as PSI plans to scale up the initiative across Bauchi State.
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