Life Helpers, an NGO, on Tuesday launched the distribution of reusable sanitary pads to school girls and other women in Sokoto state.
Mr Tayo Fatinikum, the Executive Director of the organisation said the sanitary pads, called ”Ni dake Renewable Pad,” is aimed at improving the personal hygiene of the students and women.
Fatinikum said the NGO recognises the importance of safeguarding girls and women from contracting infections and other obnoxious sanitary conditions during mensuration periods.
” Life Helpers came up with the initiative as matter of need in our communities, as many girls have no means to obtain pads to handle the natural periods.
” Some cannot go to school when they start menstruation, while some use cotton or pieces of cloth.
”We produced the Ni dake Renewable Pads locally and empower women to produce them, because they are designed in an easy and cheap form,” Fatinikum said.
He said that the NGO collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to promote the usage and circulation of the reusable pads in order to improve the livelihood of women, especially adolescent girls.
” The initiative is to safeguard girls dignity and improve their heath conditions.
”Parents should consider it as a succour for the benefit of women and girls ” the Executive Director added.
Also speaking, the UNFPA Representative, Mrs Gloria Enuaze commended the efforts and enjoined women, as well as girls to access the pads and replicate their production for wider benefit.
Enuaze engaged girls in use of the pads, body hygiene and other sanitation talks.
Earlier, Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Kulu Sifawa, expressed joy and appreciation over the distinct efforts.
Sifawa assured the NGO and UNFPA of more government collaboration and support/
She also urged women and girls to be actively engaged in the production of the pads on view of their affordability and suitability.
NAN
