Group calls for girls’ access to sanitary pads in schools

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), has harped on the need for young girls to uphold menstrual health management for their total wellbeing.

The National Coordinator of AHF, Steve Aborisade made the call in Aka Offot Secondary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Girl Child with the theme: “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership & Wellbeing.

He stressed that girls should also have access to sanitary pads in the school to maintain their menstrual hygiene and health

He said the AHF would collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs in Akwa Ibom to ensure that a sanitary pad bank is established in the school to enable girls access them unhindered.

Aborisade noted that the foundation was committed to supporting the girl child to enable her to amplify her voice in society and take her rightful position even as he described them as future leaders.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Ini Adiakpan advised the girls to take their studies seriously to realize their full potential, noting that the state government has provided free education and all the necessary support to ensure a hitch-free academic environment.

The Commissioner who explained that Akwa Ibom State has domesticated the Child Rights Acts to protect all children from every form of abuse, advised the girls to explore the privilege by speaking up and amplifying their voices against any form of abuse or gender violence meted on them.

She said, “when you have issues that are disturbing you, please speak up! You have female teachers, matrons, guidance and counsellor etc, you can talk to them about your experiences, any form of sexual abuse or molestation such as rape; don’t keep it to yourselves. You are not helping yourself if you keep quiet and allow the perpetrators to continue.

“Even in your homes, if you have issues, you should be able to confide in any of your female teachers and amplify your voice. Every child should learn to say no to negative practices. Even if the boys are inclusive, say no to cultism, homosexuality and other vices, they won’t help you.”;