Up to 500 secondary school girls in Abuja have begun receiving free sanitary towels to last for six months, as part of an initiative aimed at tackling period poverty.
The funding for the initiative, according to a member, in a statement, RCA-WR publicity committee Jonathan Ameh, was raised through the RCA Women’s Run, organised by the Run Club Abuja to mark International Women’s Day 2025.
Secretary of the RCA Women’s Run Organising Committee and Project Coordinator of the initiative, Stephanie Adamu, explained that 500 women participated in the run to secure the sanitary towels for the 500 school girls.
Ms. Adamu emphasised that the initiative was part of RCA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and encouraged other organisations and groups to support similar charitable initiatives.
Founder of the Gracious Sacrificial Daughters Fellowship Foundation, Temitope Oguche, a partner in the initiative, praised the effort, noting that it would help the girls focus on their education with proper hygiene, free from shame or stigma.
Principal of Junior Secondary School Nyanya II, Michael Edoh, one of the beneficiary schools, expressed excitement over the gesture, calling it a relief for both the girls and their parents, especially in light of the current economic hardship.
He urged that such initiatives be extended to all students at the school and other schools in underprivileged communities.
Gender Desk Officer, Gloria Apeh, echoed the Principal’s sentiment, revealing that there had been instances when students suddenly started their periods during class, and teachers had to provide sanitary towels when none were available.
A beneficiary from Government Secondary School Garki, Zainab Ibrahim, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, explaining that her parents usually buy sanitary towels for her and two siblings.
She added that this donation would provide a welcome relief, allowing her family to use their resources for other essential needs.
Another beneficiary, Blessing Udeh, also expressed her appreciation for the gesture, and called for the initiative to be extended across Abuja so that more girls could benefit.
Other schools in Abuja that benefited from the distribution of the sanitary towels include GSS Maitama, GSS Jabi and GSS Gwarimpa.
