The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has called for greater investment in girls’ health, education and rights after reaching more than 100 schoolgirls with menstrual hygiene products and educational materials at Igbesa High School (Junior) in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The intervention, held on Wednesday, October 21, was organised to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”
The programme featured menstrual health education, mentorship and reading activities for students in Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 to 3 who participate in the school’s reading clubs.
The Foundation distributed free sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene pamphlets, exercise books and pens to the students as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene, protect girls’ dignity and support their continued participation in education.
The outreach was initiated by Oyelami Yetunde Anuoluwapo and Blessing Kappo, teachers and Teach For Nigeria Fellows at the school, who had appealed for sanitary products, learning materials and health education support. The Foundation’s founder, Theresa Moses, responded to the request by providing the items and facilitating an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management.
Speaking during the programme, Moses said the girls’ determination and aspirations reinforced the need for sustained investment in their wellbeing, education and future.
“Invest in girls and Nigeria will rise. Every girl deserves dignity, education and the right to dream beyond child marriage. That is why we are here; to ensure no girl misses school because of her period,” she said.
She noted that access to menstrual hygiene products and reliable information would help girls manage their periods confidently and participate fully in school activities without the challenges associated with inadequate menstrual health support.
In a letter of appreciation, Oyelami and Kappo described the outreach as impactful and inspiring, saying it had strengthened the students’ understanding of menstrual health, hygiene and self-confidence.
The teachers added that the intervention would contribute to improved personal hygiene, school attendance and dignity among the beneficiaries.
“You did not just give pads; you gave our girls confidence and hope,” they wrote on behalf of the school community, expressing gratitude to the Foundation and hope for further collaboration.
The Assistant Divisional Commissioner of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State Branch, Mrs Amarachi Eze, also praised the Foundation for supporting girls’ hygiene needs and development.
“We sincerely appreciate the Management of Pad Me A Girl Foundation for joining hands with the Association in supporting our girls on hygiene management. May God Almighty continue to uplift your foundation. Thanks for joining hands in the development of girls in our schools. Bravo,” Eze said.
The Foundation’s Media Coordinator, Mr Oluwatosin Simon Faleye, urged corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at ending period poverty and keeping girls in school.
“For over a year, we have been committed to ending period poverty and keeping girls in school. We call on corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause for the betterment of Nigeria,” Faleye said.
The event also featured a student drama presentation on the effects of child marriage, alongside reading and mentorship activities designed to help the girls understand their rights, appreciate the importance of education and pursue their aspirations.
The Foundation further acknowledged the contributions of its sponsors and partners, including Access Bank, Pro Star Sports International, BL Consulting, Vita Baites Foods, Checkers, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly, and the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS).
It also recognised the support of individuals and media organisations whose contributions have advanced its broader mission of ending period poverty, promoting menstrual health education and empowering girls and women.
The Foundation said sustained support from corporate bodies, civil society organisations and individuals remained important to expanding menstrual health education and access to sanitary products, particularly for girls and women in underserved and vulnerable communities.
About Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation
Founded by Theresa Moses, Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to ending period poverty, promoting menstrual health education and empowering girls and women, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.