By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
No fewer than 10,000 adolescent girls in Ebonyi state are set to benefit from a sanitary pad distribution programme initiated by the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO) as part of efforts to tackle menstrual hygiene challenges and keep girls in school.
Wife of the state governor, Mary-Mauderline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, disclosed this Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day and the handover of sanitary pads and educational materials to the Ministries of Education and Health for distribution to schools across the 13 local government areas of the state.
Mrs. Nwifuru said the initiative was designed to support girls who often miss classes or face difficulties during menstruation due to lack of access to sanitary products.
READ ALSO:
- Bayelsa U-15 athletics meet discovers future sports stars
- WOMAN Marks Africa Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Women Mentorship and Advocacy
She noted that while education remains critical to personal and societal development, many girls continue to face barriers that affect their ability to learn and remain in school.
According to her, the foundation’s intervention seeks to provide practical support that would improve school attendance, promote hygiene and enhance the confidence of young girls.
“The sanitary pads are not just health materials; they represent dignity, confidence and inclusion for our girls, while the educational materials are meant to encourage learning and academic excellence,” she said.
The First Lady explained that the programme would target girls between the ages of 14 and 18 in its first phase, adding that plans were underway to expand the reach of the intervention.
She urged officials of the Ministries of Education and Health, school administrators and local government authorities to ensure that the materials are distributed transparently to deserving beneficiaries.
Mrs. Nwifuru further reaffirmed BERWO Foundation’s commitment to programmes that improve the welfare of women and children, especially those living in vulnerable and underserved communities.
Speaking earlier, BERWO Foundation Team Lead, Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Echiegu, said the initiative was conceived in response to the growing economic hardship that has made sanitary pads unaffordable for many families.
She noted that some girls in rural communities are forced to stay away from school during their menstrual periods because they cannot afford basic hygiene products.
Echiegu said the foundation would continue to partner stakeholders to ensure that every Ebonyi girl-child has the opportunity to remain in school and pursue her education without obstacles linked to menstrual hygiene.
