NEWSAN Empowers Over 100 Schoolgirls in Bauchi with Sanitary Pads
Commemorates 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day with Support and Awareness Campaign
By Amina Ahmed | June 5, 2025 | Bauchi, Nigeria
In commemoration of the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Nigerian Society for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (NEWSAN), Bauchi State Chapter, has reached out to more than 100 adolescent girls at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Birshi, with the donation of sanitary pads and a powerful message of empowerment.
Themed “A Period-Friendly World for Everyone,” this year’s observance focused on creating safe, inclusive environments where girls can manage menstruation with dignity and confidence.
Driving Access and Awareness
The outreach included not only the distribution of sanitary pads to students, but also the donation of supplies to the school's pad bank—a crucial initiative that helps reduce period-related absenteeism by ensuring girls have consistent access to menstrual products.
Addressing the students during a health education session, Ms. Dabis Mwalike, NEWSAN State Coordinator, stressed the importance of menstrual hygiene for girls’ health, confidence, and education.
“We are raising awareness among these girls on how poor menstrual hygiene can negatively affect their health and well-being. Our goal is to ensure menstruation does not hinder their school attendance,” she stated.
She pointed out that limited access to water, sanitation facilities, pads, and disposal systems remains a serious barrier for many students across the state.
Mwalike also called on the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) and School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to rally behind the pad bank and other initiatives that protect girls' health and education.
Supporting 600+ Girls at GGSS Birshi
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Keziya Joshua, Vice Principal of GGSS Birshi, revealed that the school is home to over 600 adolescent girls and that the existing pad bank is restocked monthly with 30 packets of sanitary pads, thanks to PTA support.
She expressed deep appreciation to NEWSAN for selecting the school for this year’s intervention.
“This initiative brings real relief to our girls and encourages them to stay in school, even during their periods,” she said.
Students Speak on the Impact
Two students, Ms. Rahila Bitrus and Ms. Joy Friday, who participated in the session, said the outreach broadened their understanding of menstrual health.
“We learned how poor hygiene can lead to infections, rashes, and bad smell. I feel more confident now because I know how to take care of myself during my period,” Joy said.
A Call for Continued Support
The NEWSAN intervention not only addressed immediate needs but also amplified the global call for period-friendly learning environments, where no girl is left behind because of a natural biological process.
The organization urged more stakeholders to support menstrual hygiene management efforts in schools and communities—ensuring that menstruation never becomes a reason for girls to miss out on education or opportunities.
End