Access Bank and PAD Me A Girl launch Pad Bank in Abuja IDP Camp to tackle menstrual poverty and promote hygiene for girls and women

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a strong move to address menstrual poverty and promote hygiene education, Access Bank Plc has teamed up with the PAD Me A Girl Initiative, a humanitarian project by GATMASH MEDIA, to launch a Pad Bank at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Durumi, Abuja.

Also read: Access Bank partners with ‘PAD Me A Girl’ initiative to launch ‘Pad Bank’ for period poverty

The initiative, formally launched on 3rd April 2025, aims to provide free, reusable sanitary pads and hygiene education to girls and women, especially those in vulnerable communities.

This effort aligns with the ongoing mission of PAD Me A Girl Initiative to combat menstrual poverty and promote dignity for young women.

Speaking at the event, Theresa Moses, Convener of the PAD Me A Girl Initiative, stressed the urgent need for menstrual hygiene awareness and support.

“This Pad Bank marks a pivotal milestone in empowering women and girls through accessible menstrual care products,” she said.

Moses highlighted that around 37% of girls and women in Nigeria lack access to sanitary pads due to financial limitations.

She noted that beyond product distribution, the initiative is focused on educating girls and women about proper menstrual hygiene, while breaking longstanding myths and taboos surrounding menstruation.

“By making reusable pads available, we’re not only addressing access but also promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility,” she added.

The event featured interactive sessions, including one led by Parenting Coach, Mrs Blessing Jonah Amos, who offered practical guidance on menstrual health, the benefits of reusable pads, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In a show of community support, the Divisional Police Officer of Area 1, CSP Ola Rotimi Ebidero, provided key security tips, encouraging young women to report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

The partnership has also attracted support from several corporate and philanthropic organisations. Checkers Custard, a household name, distributed custard products including its popular pap flavour.

Vita Baites Foods, known for its crunchy kuli-kuli, shared snacks, while the Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, ProStar, and other organisations lent their support through donations and logistics.

Alongside sanitary pads, attendees received exercise books, writing materials, cartons of instant noodles, and bags of sachet water, ensuring that immediate needs beyond menstrual care were also met.

The launch of the Pad Bank represents a proactive response to the silent crisis of menstrual poverty, and organisers plan to expand to more communities in the coming months.

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With continued support from stakeholders and the public, the PAD Me A Girl Initiative hopes to create an inclusive society where menstrual health is normalised and every girl and woman has access to essential hygiene products.