By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Shamies Unusual Heart Foundation, in partnership with Pad-Up Africa, has distributed one-year menstrual hygiene kits and dignity packs to 100 vulnerable girls and women in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The outreach, held during the Walk4Pad 2026 advocacy walk at Millennium Park over the weekend, aligned with the global campaign theme, “#PeriodFriendlyWorld.”
Speaking during the event, the Acting Executive Director of the foundation, John Olugbemi, representing founder Sara Abdul, said the initiative was designed to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene challenges and combat misinformation surrounding menstruation.
According to him, the campaign seeks to educate the public on the realities many girls and women face, particularly those affected by period poverty.
“We want people to better understand the challenges girls and women experience regarding menstrual hygiene,” he said. “Many disadvantaged girls cannot afford sanitary products, and this awareness drive is aimed at encouraging action to ensure every girl can access proper menstrual care.”
Olugbemi urged government authorities and stakeholders to prioritise menstrual health by making sanitary products more accessible and affordable for vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Pad-Up Africa, Ashley Olachi Lori, stressed the need for menstrual hygiene education, gender-sensitive toilets, and improved sanitation facilities in schools.
She maintained that menstruation should never be a source of shame, encouraging girls to embrace confidence and dignity.
“We will continue advocating for proper menstrual hygiene information in schools and communities,” Lori said. “Every girl must understand that menstruation is natural and should never limit her self-worth.”
Lori added that the organisation plans to reach about 1,000 girls in four rural schools this year through sanitary pad distribution and training on reusable sanitary pad production and maintenance.
She also dismissed myths discouraging girls from participating in sports during menstruation, noting that exercise can help ease cramps and improve menstrual health.
One of the beneficiaries, Faleye Eniola, described the programme as impactful and called for a reduction in the cost of sanitary pads.
“I feel more confident and valued as a young woman,” she said. “Sanitary pads should be cheaper because many girls cannot afford them.”
Founder of Lokas Intercontinental Sons of Tomorrow Initiative, Chieloka Iloputaife, also called on boys and young men to play active roles in ending menstrual stigma and supporting girls in their communities.
