The African Immigrants Resources Centre (AIRC), a United States-based non-governmental organisation, has provided sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education to more than 600 schoolgirls in Rivers State.
The Convener of the “Give a Girl a Pad (GAGAP) Initiative,” a programme under AIRC, Mrs. Chimezie Oji-Kalu, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme held at Community Secondary School, Amadi-Ama, Port Harcourt.
The event was organised to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).
Oji-Kalu explained that, in line with the IWD theme “Give to Gain,” the organisation distributed sanitary pads to schoolgirls across Rivers, Lagos, Imo, and Abia states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to her, the initiative aims to restore the confidence and dignity of young girls while addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and tackling stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation.
She said the programme was designed to educate and empower girls with the knowledge needed to maintain proper menstrual hygiene and pursue their aspirations without shame or limitations.
“Many girls still miss school or feel embarrassed due to a lack of access to sanitary products or proper information about their bodies.
“This is why the ‘Give a Girl a Pad’ initiative has become widely recognised in schools, ensuring that no girl feels embarrassed or unprepared because of her natural biological process,” she said.
Oji-Kalu added that the programme focuses not only on the distribution of sanitary pads but also on education, awareness, dignity, and empowerment of the girl-child.
She encouraged the students to take the lessons from the sensitisation programme seriously and share the knowledge with their peers.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the GAGAP Rivers Chapter, Mrs. Dorris Nwakuna, said the initiative was designed to educate girls on menstrual hygiene practices before, during, and after menstruation.
Nwakuna said the programme also aims to tackle menstrual poverty by providing sanitary pads and equipping girls with the knowledge required to maintain proper hygiene while understanding their roles in society.
She advised the beneficiaries to ensure they maintain proper hygiene during and after their menstrual cycle.
The Principal of Community Secondary School Junior, Amadi-Ama, Dr. Mina Wakama, expressed appreciation to the organisers for selecting the school for the programme.
Wakama said the initiative would have a positive impact on the students and help improve their understanding of menstrual hygiene.
One of the teachers, Mrs. Gloria Ihieme, noted that the sensitisation programme would help students better manage their menstrual periods.
Another teacher, Mrs. Ibim Goodluck, described the distribution of free sanitary pads as a commendable effort.
She observed that some girls lack access to sanitary products and sometimes resort to using tissue paper or cotton wool.
Goodluck also praised the organisers for encouraging the girls to speak up against abuse, noting that many children experience abuse but are often afraid to report it.
Some of the students who benefited from the programme also expressed gratitude for the initiative.
Miss Anita Maduabuchi said she learned the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation.
Another student, who introduced herself simply as Dakara, said the programme taught her the importance of speaking out and avoiding exploitation.
Miss Lily Briggs added that the programme boosted her confidence and pledged to encourage other girls to maintain proper hygiene and change their sanitary pads regularly.Tools