…Theresa Moses urges greater investment in menstrual health to protect girls’ education and rights
As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2026, Theresa Moses, Founder of Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation, has called for sustained investment in menstrual health and girls’ education, warning that period poverty can compound the vulnerabilities that expose some girls to early marriage.
With this year’s theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”, the Foundation is urging governments, schools, corporate organisations and development partners to establish and sustain Pad Banks in schools and underserved communities.
Since its establishment on April 3, 2025, the Foundation has reached more than 15,000 girls and women across Abuja, Ogun, Benue and Nasarawa states through sanitary pad distribution, provision of writing materials, menstrual health education and community outreach.
Its interventions have extended to vulnerable communities and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Area 1 Durumi, Abuja; Ortese, Benue State; and Kadarko, Nasarawa State.
However, supplies of reusable sanitary pads in supported communities across Abuja, Benue and Nasarawa have reportedly been depleted, prompting renewed calls for partnerships and donations to replenish stocks and sustain the Foundation’s interventions.
Moses stressed the need for continued support to expand access to menstrual health services and educational opportunities for girls in vulnerable communities.
How Period Poverty Increases Girls’ Vulnerability
The inability to afford sanitary pads can make it difficult for girls to manage menstruation safely and confidently.
Some miss school or withdraw from classroom activities because of embarrassment, stigma or inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities.
Repeated disruptions to education can undermine girls’ chances of completing school and achieving financial independence.
In communities where poverty, gender inequality and harmful social norms persist, these challenges may compound the pressures that lead some families to consider early marriage.
Although period poverty does not automatically lead to child marriage, it can contribute to the wider disadvantages that leave some girls more vulnerable to exploitation, educational exclusion and harmful practices.
Addressing menstrual health must therefore remain an integral part of broader efforts to keep girls in school, protect their rights and prevent child marriage.
Foundation Advocates Expanded Pad Banks, Boys’ Participation
The Foundation’s Pad Bank Movement, launched during World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, promotes access to sanitary pads alongside menstrual health education.
The initiative encourages schools to maintain accessible supplies of menstrual products so that girls who cannot afford them are not left without support.
The Foundation is calling for the expansion of school-based Pad Banks, regular replenishment of supplies and stronger partnerships with sanitary product manufacturers, businesses, philanthropists and development organisations.
It is also advocating age-appropriate menstrual health education for boys to help them understand menstruation, reject period shaming and respect girls’ dignity.
According to the Foundation’s approach, engaging boys in menstrual health conversations can help challenge stigma, discourage ridicule and foster school environments where girls can learn without fear or embarrassment.
Foundation Seeks Support to Replenish Supplies
With supplies reportedly depleted in supported IDP communities in Abuja, Benue and Nasarawa, Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation is appealing for sanitary pad donations, financial contributions and long-term partnerships to sustain its work.
The Foundation is also urging governments and education authorities to support school Pad Banks, improve access to affordable menstrual products and strengthen education and child-protection measures that address the wider factors contributing to early marriage.
As the world renews its focus on girls’ rights and opportunities, the Foundation maintains that meaningful progress requires practical, sustained interventions that reach girls in vulnerable and underserved communities.
SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION
Members of the public, corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners are encouraged to support Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation in replenishing sanitary pad supplies and sustaining menstrual health interventions for girls and women in vulnerable communities.
Account Name: PAD ME A GIRL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION
Account Number: 1988220123
Bank: Access Bank
About Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation
Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to advancing menstrual health, hygiene awareness, education and girl-child empowerment, particularly among girls and women in underserved and vulnerable communities.
