Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence
A Critical Response to an Urgent Need
In 2020, The Anita Oromoni Foundation launched the “She Needs a Pad” initiative in response to a disturbing reality facing young girls across Nigeria. Our research revealed that thousands of girls were missing school during their menstrual periods due to lack of access to proper sanitary products and inadequate menstrual health education. This wasn’t just a health issue – it was an educational crisis that needed immediate attention.
Understanding the Challenge
Through extensive community surveys and school visits, we discovered that period poverty was creating a devastating cycle. Girls were missing up to five days of school each month, leading to poor academic performance and, in some cases, dropping out entirely. The stigma surrounding menstruation made it difficult for girls to seek help or discuss their challenges openly. Many were using unsafe alternatives to proper sanitary products, putting their health at risk.
Creating Comprehensive Solutions
We developed a multi-faceted approach that went beyond simply distributing sanitary pads. Our program focused on education, support, and long-term sustainability. Working with healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, we created a curriculum that addressed both practical needs and social stigmas.
Our educational programs transformed how menstruation was discussed in schools and communities. We conducted workshops that created safe spaces for open dialogue. Girls learned about their bodies, menstrual hygiene, and proper pad usage. But more importantly, they learned that menstruation was natural and nothing to be ashamed of.
Teachers received specialized training to support their female students. School nurses became champions of menstrual health, equipped with both supplies and knowledge to help girls in need. We saw a beautiful transformation as girls began to speak more confidently about their experiences and needs.
The initiative sparked important conversations in communities where menstruation had long been taboo. We organized mother-daughter sessions that strengthened family bonds and improved communication. Fathers attended workshops to better understand and support their daughters. Religious and community leaders became advocates for menstrual health, helping to break down long-standing cultural barriers.
We didn’t want to create dependency on donations. Instead, we established pad banks in schools and trained local women to produce reusable pads. This created economic opportunities while ensuring a sustainable supply of sanitary products. Schools developed policies to support menstruating students, including providing emergency supplies and private changing areas.
The impact of our initiative is best told through individual stories. Like Blessing, a 15-year-old who had missed so much school she was considering dropping out. After joining our program, she not only received regular access to sanitary supplies but also became a peer educator, helping other girls in her community. Her grades improved, and she’s now planning to become a doctor.
Or Mrs. Adebayo, a teacher who noticed a complete transformation in her classroom. “Before, I would see girls sitting uncomfortably, afraid to stand up, or not coming to school at all during their periods. Now, they’re confident, participating in class, and supporting each other.”
Our health education component went beyond basic hygiene. Girls learned about proper nutrition during menstruation, pain management techniques, and when to seek medical help. We partnered with local clinics to provide free check-ups and address health concerns. The result was not just better physical health, but improved mental well-being and self-esteem.
As the initiative grew, we developed a model that could be replicated in different communities. We created detailed guides for schools, training materials for educators, and resources for families. Our digital education platform made information accessible even in remote areas.
By the end of 2020, we had reached over 10,000 girls across multiple communities. School attendance improved dramatically, with participating schools reporting a 40% reduction in period-related absences. Knowledge about menstrual health increased by 80% among program participants.
The impact extended far beyond menstrual health. Girls who participated in the program showed improved academic performance and greater confidence in all areas of their lives. Communities began addressing other gender-related issues more openly. Local economies benefited from women-led pad production initiatives.
The success of “She Needs a Pad” has inspired us to expand our reach. We’re developing new partnerships, exploring innovative distribution methods, and continuing to break down barriers that hold girls back. Our vision is for every girl in Nigeria to have access to the products and knowledge she needs to manage her menstrual health with dignity.
This initiative represents TAOF’s commitment to addressing crucial but often overlooked challenges facing young girls. It’s not just about providing pads – it’s about creating a world where no girl has to choose between her dignity and her education.
