NGO, Legislators Review Bill on Establishing Sanitary Pad Banks in Bauchi Schools
By Bashri Hassan
To fast-track the passage of a proposed bill for the establishment of sanitary pad banks in Bauchi State schools, Women for Women International (WfWI), a women-led NGO, organised a one-day meeting with Bauchi legislators. The initiative aims to improve menstrual hygiene management for schoolgirls across the state.
The meeting, held in Jos, was attended by the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, over 30 legislators, and the Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam.
In her keynote address, WfWI Country Director Bukola Oyinshi emphasised the importance of the proposed bill, which seeks to tackle the challenges of accessibility, affordability, and availability of menstrual hygiene products. She stated:
> “Menstrual health is not just a matter of dignity but a critical component of health, education, and economic empowerment.”
Oyinshi noted that the Pad Bank Law represents a bold step towards menstrual equity. By institutionalising pad banks and removing fiscal barriers, such as taxes on menstrual products, the legislation aims to improve the lives of underprivileged women and girls. She commended the dedication of WfWI’s implementing partners in Bauchi State, the Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHH) and Child is Gold Foundation, for their efforts in aligning expertise to ensure the law is inclusive and sustainable.
The Speaker, Bauchi state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for the initiative, despite the absence of female lawmakers. He urged the implementing partners to incorporate legislative observations into the bill, pledging expedited passage:
> “If the necessary adjustments are implemented promptly, the law can be passed within two weeks,” he assured.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, praised the initiative and lauded the “Untax My Menstrual Pad” movement for championing menstrual hygiene. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative, describing it as a step toward addressing school absenteeism caused by menstrual challenges.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director of Child is Gold Foundation highlighted the educational barriers faced by girls due to a lack of access to sanitary pads. Closing the event, Ambassador Comfort Attah, Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, expressed gratitude to the legislators for their support and described the proposed policy as transformative:
> “This policy is about transforming lives and fostering equality in education and opportunity. Together, we have the power to bring change.”
According to a press statement issued by ASHH Foundation, the bill has already passed its first and second readings in the 10th Assembly of the Bauchi State House of Assembly. Funded by WfWI, the initiative seeks to eliminate barriers faced by girls during menstruation, which often leads to absenteeism from school.
The review meeting marked a significant milestone for the Untax My Menstrual Pad movement in Bauchi State, a North-East initiative focused on removing fiscal barriers to menstrual hygiene products. The movement’s progress has now culminated in legislative action, signaling hope for a brighter future for girls across Bauchi State.
