Abuja: An NGO, Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), has distributed free menstrual hygiene kits and raised awareness on menstrual health to selected school girls in the FCT, to promote menstrual hygiene and tackle period poverty. The initiative aims to equip girls with the necessary knowledge and resources to manage their menstrual health safely.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative implemented by TCF is part of The Always Keeping Girls in School (AKGIS) project, which seeks to end period poverty and reduce school absenteeism among marginalized adolescent girls. Mrs. Adetayo Erinle, Founder of TCF, stated that the project has supported over 67,000 girls across Nigeria since its inception in 2018.
The foundation collaborates with partners to establish emergency pads in schools, thereby improving access to menstrual products, promoting hygiene education, and ensuring girls remain in school during their menstrual periods. Mrs. Erinle, represented by Mrs. Nendirmwa Ohah, AKGIS Project Manager, mentione
d partnerships with organizations such as CAF America and Procter and Gamble to expand the reach of interventions nationwide.
The hygiene kits distributed contain items like hand wash, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene products to support menstrual and personal hygiene needs. Ohah noted that 70 girls from four schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the Abuja School for the Blind and Junior Secondary School, Gwarimpa, benefited from the intervention.
Dr. Idemudia Marvelous, the Keynote Speaker, emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene education in preventing infections and ensuring a healthy menstrual flow. She advised changing pads regularly, wearing cotton underwear, and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Dr. Ekam Ethel from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare commended the initiative, calling for stronger government collaboration to improve access to menstrual products. Mr. Okolo Kingsley from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs highlig
hted that menstrual hygiene management influences education, dignity, and social inclusion among girls.
Mrs. Hajara Ishaq from the Universal Basic Education Board FCT expressed support for awareness efforts, improved access to products, and better sanitation facilities in schools. She emphasized the importance of educating girls on managing menstruation with dignity for their empowerment and education.
Miss Fatima Abdullahi, one of the beneficiaries, shared that the program helped her better understand menstrual hygiene and dispelled common myths surrounding menstruation.