In a bold step to tackle menstrual poverty and promote menstrual hygiene among vulnerable populations, Access Bank Plc and Gatmash Media have launched the “PAD Me A Girl PAD Bank” at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Durumi, Area 1, Abuja. The initiative, flagged off on Wednesday, April 3, 2025, is part of the ongoing efforts under the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative” to provide free and reusable sanitary pads to women and young girls in underserved communities.
The project, spearheaded by Gatmash Media, seeks to address the alarming issue of period poverty in Nigeria, where an estimated 37% of menstruating girls and women reportedly lack access to sanitary products due to financial hardship.
Speaking at the event, Theresa Moses, Convener of the initiative, underscored the importance of menstrual hygiene and its role in empowering young girls. She described the launch of the PAD Bank as a milestone in driving menstrual health advocacy, sustainability, and access to essential hygiene materials.
“This initiative is not just about distributing pads,” she said, “it’s about restoring dignity, promoting education, and ensuring that no girl misses out on opportunities simply because of her period. We are breaking the silence, dispelling myths, and building a culture of support and awareness.”
Mrs. Blessing Jonah Amos, a parenting coach, facilitated a hands-on session on menstrual hygiene management and the benefits of reusable sanitary pads, emphasizing healthy lifestyle practices and sustainability.
Adding a security dimension to the event, the Divisional Police Officer of Area 1, CSP Ola Rotimi Ebidero, offered safety tips to the women and encouraged vigilance and proactive reporting of suspicious activity within the camp.
The event witnessed wide participation and partnership from organizations such as Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods (makers of crunchy ‘kuli-kuli’), ProStar, and the Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, among others. Attendees received various items including reusable pads, exercise books, writing materials, cartons of instant noodles, and bags of sachet water.
As part of its broader vision, the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative” aims to scale the PAD Bank to other communities across Nigeria, with a focus on ensuring that girls and women no longer face barriers to menstrual health.
With this launch, Access Bank and Gatmash Media have set a powerful example of how corporate partnerships and community initiatives can work together to foster dignity, education, and wellbeing for women and girls nationwide.