Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
As part of effort to promote hygiene among adolescent girls, a humanitarian organization, JudSarahCares Foundation has launched its “Pad the Rural School Girl initiative”, distributing sanitary pads to 120 students of Government Secondary School, Rido, in Kaduna State.
The initiative aims to enlighten young girls on the proper use of sanitary pads while also helping dismantle cultural and social stigmas surrounding menstruation.
Speaking during the outreach, the founder of the foundation, Mrs. Judith Emmanuel, said the annual programme was conceived to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene and to help reduce school absenteeism caused by lack of access to sanitary products.
Mrs. Emmanuel noted that many girls miss classes during their menstrual periods due to shame, poor awareness, or inadequate sanitary materials.
According to her, ensuring that girls have access to pads contributes significantly to enhancing their confidence and academic performance.
“Absenteeism during menstruation is not the best for our girls. We want them to understand that with proper hygiene and the right materials, they can attend school and learn comfortably,”
“This initiative is our way of making a difference and supporting them to reach their full potential without avoidable hindrances.” she said.
The foundation also conducted a brief sensitization session on menstrual hygiene management, focusing on how to use sanitary pads correctly, how to dispose of them safely, and why menstruation should not be a source of stigma.
Some of the students expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
They said the enlightenment had boosted their confidence and assured them that menstruation should never be a barrier to their education.
The Principal of GSS Rido, Mr. Musa Yahaya expressed appreciation to the foundation and called on other spirited individuals to emulate them
The Foundation plans to extend the initiative to more schools in rural and semi-urban communities across Kaduna State.
Daniel Karlmax
