Foundation distributes 10,000 sanitary pads to boost menstrual health in Anambra
Foundation distributes 10,000 sanitary pads to boost menstrual health in Anambra
The Zobam Foundation distributes over 10,000 sanitary pads to adolescent girls in Anambra since the inception of its “Give A Girl A Pad” project in 2019.
Mrs Chizoba Okelieukwu, the Founder and Director of Zobam Foundation, disclosed this during the 2026 edition of the annual Menstrual Hygiene Day and Symposium in Awka on Wednesday.
The symposium which had students from 10 schools in attendance, featured drama and quiz competition on menstrual health related issues as well as distribution of sanitary pads.
Okelieukwu said the foundation, through the support of its partners, reached out to about 40 secondary schools across the 21 local government areas of the state.
She said that the Menstrual Hygiene Day and Symposium was meant to demystify menstruation among young girls.
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She said it was also to empower them with access to sanitary pads as well as confidence to manage the ‘stigma’ associated with monthly periods.
“We started this programme in 2019 and we have consistently organised this menstrual hygiene day and symposium every year.
“During the period, we have reached out to 40 schools in Anambra and distributed not less than 10,000 sanitary pads to young girls.
“We have a menstrual hygiene club through which we want to take our message to the rural and remote areas of the state.
“So, we are calling on the state government to support this initiative,” Okelieukwu said.
Speaking, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, a doyenne of Mass Communication, said the development and productivity of the girl-child was being hindered because of menstrual health challenges.
Okunna said many women did not have access to sanitary pads due to poverty and had to resort to pieces of clothes which exposed them to diseases and sicknesses.
“In a very bad performing economy, many women cannot afford the hygiene items and the danger is that disease can be contracted.
“This is why we are calling for increased awareness and support for women in the area of menstrual health.
“This is because many girls stay at home during menstruation as a result of their inability to manage clean and healthy menstruation,” she said.
