One of the factors that affects young girls in school that has hitherto gone unnoticed is what is described as ‘Period Poverty’ or the lack of capacity for Menstrual Hygiene Management.
In rural areas, and for those who live in urban poverty, women do not have access to sanitary products or they know very little about the types and method of using them or are unable to afford such products due to the high cost. A pack of sanitary pads costs an average of N500 which is almost one dollar. Looking at the poverty prevalence in the world and in Nigeria, it is safe to say that one in every three girls in the country cannot afford safe and hygienic sanitary pads for proper menstrual hygiene management.
THE ‘PAD BANK’ OBJECTIVES:
• To have a steady supply of menstrual hygiene products
• To help young girls who are unable to afford sanitary materials
• To ensure that young girls do not stay away from school because of their monthly cycle.
• To promote menstrual hygiene amongst young girls
• To provide training in the use of menstrual hygiene products
• To provide opportunities for young local entrepreneurs to learn how to produce reusable and safe sanitary product.