Nissi Pad a Girl Initiative Hands Out Sanitary Pads to 1,072 School Girls in Plateau

Our correspondent

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and related global health bodies, period poverty remains a global challenge to many women, particularly the girl child. It is estimated that millions of women and girls cannot afford menstrual products or access to safe water and sanitation to manage their menstrual health and hygiene. This, according to the global bodies, interrupts the lives, rights, and freedoms of these women and girls.

Period poverty refers to the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health.

Considering the negative impact of period poverty on women, a total of 1,072 schoolgirls from four schools in Jos South LGA were recently benefited from a free sanitary pad distribution courtesy of the Nissi Pad a Girl Initiative.

Initiator of the programme, Mrs. Naomi Daniel Cishak, told this medium that the initiative was necessitated by the need to give back to society.

Mrs. Cishak added that the programme was not just an act of charity, but it was a responsibility, as according to her, “a thriving community is built when individuals and organizations recognize the needs around them and intentionally take steps to make a difference.

“True and positive impact happens when we move beyond words and translate compassion into action.”

She maintained that the initiative was more than just providing hygiene products; it is also about “restoring dignity, boosting confidence, and ensuring that young girls stay in school during their menstrual cycles without shame or interruption.”

Mrs. Cishak noted that period poverty remains a serious challenge for many schoolgirls, stating that many of them lack access to sanitary pads, which often leads to absenteeism, poor academic performance, and diminished self-esteem among girls.

“By reaching out to these schools, we are directly breaking a barrier that quietly but deeply affects girls’ education and well-being.

“When girls are supported, they are empowered. When they are empowered, they are more likely to succeed academically and make meaningful contributions to society.

“What may seem like a small gesture, donating sanitary pads can change the trajectory of a young girl’s life.

“This initiative reminds us that community development starts with simple acts of kindness and commitment,” she stated.

On how the funds were sourced, Mrs. Cishak said, “The funds for this project were raised through friends, family, colleagues and public well-wishers.”

Principals of Government Junior Secondary School Kufang and Government Junior Secondary School Rantya, Mr. Duguryil Simon Maaji, Mrs. Dinatu Dalis, and Mrs. Rukaiya Ibrahim of Asabs Islamic School Dadin Kowa, who spoke on behalf of the benefitting schools, appreciated the donor for the gesture, describing it as timely.

The benefiting schools include Government Secondary School Rantya, Government Secondary School Kufang, RCM School Zarmanganda and Asabs Islamic School Dadin Kowa, all in Jos South Local Government Area.

Checks by this medium reveal that millions of women and girls worldwide still cannot afford menstrual products or access water and sanitation facilities to manage their menstrual health and hygiene, thereby making them miss school, work, and negatively impact their health.

Experts have opined that to adequately address the problem, girls and women need access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, affordable and suitable menstrual hygiene products, proper education on best practices, and a supportive environment where they can manage menstruation without feeling embarrassed or stigmatized.

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