In a bold move to combat period poverty in Nigeria, Access Bank Plc has partnered with PAD Me A Girl Initiative, a project of Gatmash Media, to launch a Pad Bank—an innovative system designed to provide free sanitary pads to girls and women in need.
The initiative, spearheaded by PAD Me A Girl Initiative founder and journalist Theresa Moses, aims to address menstrual health challenges affecting millions of underprivileged girls and women, including those in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Through this partnership, the Pad Bank will be stocked with sanitary pads donated by Access Bank, corporate organizations, and individuals, with the goal of distributing over one million sanitary pads annually.
Speaking on the initiative, Moses emphasized the transformative impact of the Pad Bank in the fight against period poverty.
“This project is not just about providing sanitary pads; it is about restoring dignity, ensuring educational continuity for girls, and empowering women to reach their full potential,” she said.
Access Bank’s commitment to the cause aligns with its corporate social responsibility efforts to create a more equitable society. The initiative also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (quality education) and SDG 5 (gender equality), by providing not only menstrual hygiene products but also educational materials like exercise books and pens.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative has also secured partnerships with several organizations, including Checkers Custard, Empowered Girls for Christ Foundation, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, ProStar, and Vita Baites Foods, to expand the reach of the Pad Bank.
The official launch of the initiative will take place on April 3, 2025, at Gofye Community, Kuje Area Council, New Kunchingoro, Opposite Games Village, Kaura, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. A second event will be held on April 5, 2025, at Ortese IDP Camp, Guma LGA, Benue State.
With this groundbreaking effort, Access Bank and its partners are setting a new precedent in the fight against period poverty, ensuring that no girl or woman is held back due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.