Odita Sunday 
Ebonyi First Lady flags off “Pad a Girl Initiative” targeting 10,000 schoolgirls across the state.
Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
No fewer than 10,000 teenage girls across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State are expected to benefit from a new menstrual hygiene initiative launched by the wife of the state governor, Mrs.
Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru.
The programme, tagged “Pad a Girl Initiative,” was officially flagged off on Wednesday at Community Secondary School Ndiuruku Amagu in Abakaliki to mark the 2026 World Pad Day celebration.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the offices of the First Lady, the Ministries of Education, Health, Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as the Better Health for Rural Women Foundation (BERWO).
Addressing students and stakeholders at the event, Mrs. Nwifuru said the intervention was aimed at improving menstrual hygiene, boosting girls’ confidence and reducing school absenteeism caused by lack of access to sanitary pads.
According to her, many girls in rural communities are forced to miss classes during their menstrual periods because they cannot afford basic sanitary products.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. Menstruation is natural, and with the right information and support, every girl can manage it confidently,” she said.
The First Lady noted that beyond distributing sanitary pads, the initiative would also provide menstrual health education and sensitisation to help tackle stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation.
She urged girls to maintain proper hygiene, remain focused on their education and avoid negative influences capable of affecting their future.
Mrs. Nwifuru also commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for sustaining policies and programmes that promote the welfare of women and the girl-child in the state.
Speaking during the event, BERWO Team Lead, Prof. Nkechi Emma Echiegu, disclosed that sanitary pads, novels and other educational materials were being distributed through the Ministry of Education for onward delivery to schools across the state.
“We’re actually targeting 10,000 girls. What you’re seeing here today is just a sample of what we’re going to do in the state this year. Anything we can do to support the girl-child to remain in school, we’re doing it,” she stated.
Prof. Echiegu explained that findings from previous years showed that some girls dropped out of school or became vulnerable to exploitation, rape and unwanted pregnancies because they could not afford sanitary pads.
“This is not just about sharing pads; it’s also about massive sensitisation. We want girls to understand menstrual hygiene and avoid being deceived by false beliefs linking menstruation with sexual activity,” she added.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Abakaliki Development Centre, John Nwofoke, and the traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community, Eze Fidelis Nwonumaru, applauded the initiative, describing it as a major step towards promoting hygiene and protecting the future of the girl-child.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Miss Ogu Chinenye and Miss Uwakanma Celestina, expressed gratitude for the support, educational materials and sensitisation received, promising to put the lessons learned into good use.
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