In many underserved communities across Nigeria, the simple act of managing menstruation still poses a major challenge for adolescent girls. Limited access to affordable sanitary products and proper menstrual health education often leads to stigma, missed school days, and low self-esteem. It was against this backdrop that Praise-God Adesoji, an Emerging Political Leaders Fellow, organized the Pad-A-Girl Outreach under the Hygiene Heroes Initiative, held on August 20, 2025, at SVF College, Ayobo, Lagos State.
The initiative was born out of a growing concern about menstrual hygiene challenges faced by adolescent girls in underserved communities across Nigeria. For many young girls, menstruation remains a taboo subject, one clouded by myths, misinformation, and stigma. Limited access to affordable sanitary products and menstrual health education often leads to absenteeism, low self esteem, and in some cases, school dropouts. Recognizing these challenges, Praise God sought to bridge the gap through education, empowerment, and practical support.
The outreach was designed to educate adolescent girls on menstrual health and hygiene, debunk harmful myths, and introduce sustainable solutions like reusable sanitary pads. It also created a safe, supportive environment where girls could freely discuss their experiences, fears, and questions surrounding menstruation.
Key Outcomes
The event opened with an educational session led by experts from Anchor University’s Department of Public Health Sciences. They facilitated engaging discussions on reproductive health, menstrual hygiene management, and body autonomy, helping participants understand that menstruation is not a limitation but a natural and powerful part of womanhood.
During the interactive dialogue, girls shared personal experiences and the challenges they face each month. The facilitators offered guidance, reassurance, and encouragement, creating a safe space for openness and learning.
One of the most impactful moments was the hands-on demonstration on reusable sanitary pads, where participants learned how to properly use, clean, and maintain them. Each girl received a reusable pad, an eco friendly and cost effective alternative that helps reduce financial pressure on families while promoting environmental sustainability.
The Pad A Girl Initiative directly impacted over 100 adolescent girls, equipping them with essential knowledge and tools for better menstrual hygiene management. Participants reported a clearer understanding of their menstrual cycles, improved hygiene practices, and increased confidence in managing menstruation with dignity.
The introduction of reusable pads not only provided immediate relief but also offered a sustainable solution to period poverty. By reducing reliance on disposable, plastic based products, the initiative contributed to environmental conservation while promoting girls’ uninterrupted education.
Teachers and school administrators expressed deep appreciation for the outreach and pledged continued support for menstrual health education in the school. The collaboration between NGOs and academic institutions also strengthened the delivery and credibility of the program, showcasing the power of partnerships in advancing public health goals.
Lessons Learnt
Reflecting on the experience, Praise God emphasized the importance of collaboration and creating safe spaces for young girls to learn and express themselves. He noted that partnerships with academic institutions enhance technical accuracy and credibility in health education, while sustainable solutions like reusable pads are both cost effective and environmentally responsible.
The outreach also revealed the pressing need to scale similar initiatives to other schools and communities, ensuring that no girl misses school or feels ashamed simply because of her period.
Next Steps
Moving forward, the Pad-A-Girl Initiative aims to expand its reach to more schools and communities across Nigeria, ensuring that every adolescent girl has access to accurate menstrual health education and sustainable hygiene solutions. Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions and NGOs will remain central to enhancing the credibility and impact of future outreaches. The initiative will continue to promote the use of reusable sanitary pads as a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, while also encouraging schools to integrate menstrual health education into their regular learning programs. Creating more safe and supportive spaces where girls can freely discuss menstrual challenges will help break stigmas and build confidence. Additionally, continuous monitoring and evaluation will be implemented to assess knowledge gain, behavioral change, and overall community impact, ensuring that the programme evolves effectively and sustainably.
Conclusion
The Pad A Girl Outreach stands as a proof to the transformative power of civic engagement and youth led initiatives. By combining education, empowerment, and sustainability, Praise God Adesoji’s project not only improved the well being of adolescent girls but also reinforced the role of young leaders in driving social change.
Through this effort, he demonstrated that small, focused actions can spark lasting impact, nurturing confident, informed, and empowered young women who will shape Nigeria’s future.
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