The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has commenced the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the state following the launch of the “Flow With Confidence” initiative by the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The nationwide initiative, which saw the donation of 370,000 disposable sanitary pads to girls across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT, aims to promote menstrual hygiene and empower young girls with confidence and dignity.
In line with this vision, Dr. Soludo, through her Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, has established Pad Banks in schools across Anambra State to provide free sanitary pads to girls, reducing the financial and emotional burden associated with menstrual care.
Speaking on the launch of the Healthy Living School Pad Bank Portal, Dr. Soludo said the project was designed to ensure that no schoolgirl in the state lacks access to basic menstrual hygiene products.
“Many young girls in rural communities still rely on unhygienic materials like rags or tissue during menstruation. This exposes them to infections and other health risks,” she explained.
“Through our Pad Banks, we are addressing this issue and promoting a culture of dignity and confidence for our girls.”
Delivering a lecture during the event, the Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, emphasised that menstruation was a natural biological process and should never be a source of stigma or shame.
She encouraged young girls to embrace proper menstrual hygiene practices and reject harmful myths surrounding menstruation.
Also speaking, the Member representing Onitsha North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mimi Azikiwe, commended both Senator Tinubu and Dr. Soludo for empowering the girl child and helping young girls manage their menstrual health with pride.
Beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities, expressed gratitude to Dr. Soludo for ensuring that the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative remained inclusive and supportive of all segments of society.
