Access Bank teams up with PAD Me A Girl to launch a ‘Pad Bank’ for free sanitary pads to combat period poverty in Nigeria

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a landmark move to tackle period poverty, Access Bank Plc has teamed up with the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative” to launch the ‘Pad Bank,’ a pioneering project that will provide free sanitary pads to girls and women across Nigeria.

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This initiative, aimed at combating menstrual health inequality, is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians, particularly the underprivileged.

The “PAD Me A Girl Initiative” is spearheaded by Theresa Moses, a prominent journalist and Editor-in-Chief of GATMASH NEWS, who founded the project to address the issue of period poverty.

The initiative is committed to supporting girls and women, especially in vulnerable communities such as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where access to sanitary products is often limited or non-existent.

The initiative will operate a ‘Pad Bank’ stocked with sanitary pads donated by Access Bank, along with contributions from corporate partners and individuals.

The goal is to collect and distribute over 1 million sanitary pads annually to those in need. By providing these essential products, the ‘Pad Bank’ aims to promote menstrual health, hygiene, and dignity for girls and women across Nigeria.

In addition to offering sanitary pads, the project will distribute educational materials, including exercise books and pens, to foster literacy and promote educational attainment, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, the project contributes to SDG 4, which aims for inclusive and equitable quality education, and SDG 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls.

Speaking about the collaboration, Theresa Moses, the convener of the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” expressed her excitement about the partnership with Access Bank.

She emphasised that the project was a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by period poverty, which often hinders girls’ education and overall well-being.

“We are thrilled to partner with Access Bank to launch the Pad Bank,” said Moses. “This initiative is crucial in ensuring that girls and women, particularly those in IDP camps, can access the sanitary products they need with dignity. It is a game-changer in the fight against period poverty.”

Access Bank, through this collaboration, has further cemented its commitment to making a positive impact on Nigerian society.

The bank’s partnership with various organisations, including Checkers Custard, Empowered Girls for Christ Foundation, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, ProStar, and Vita Baites Foods, underscores its dedication to promoting social inclusion and supporting communities in need.

The launch of the Pad Bank is set to take place in two key locations: Gofye Community, Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 3, 2025, and Ortese IDP Camp, Guma LGA, Benue State, on April 5, 2025.

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This innovative partnership is expected to not only alleviate the burden of period poverty but also promote menstrual health awareness across the nation, empowering girls and women to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.