In commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Month, the non-governmental organisation HopeForHer, in partnership with Ugoeze Ijeoma Nwokoma, donated over 2,000 sanitary pads to more than 500 female students at Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuokanne, in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
The donation was part of the organisation’s Pad Bank Initiative, which was officially launched on May 28.
The initiative aims to address period poverty and promote menstrual health and dignity among schoolgirls throughout the state.
Speaking at the event, HopeForHer founder Miss Chiamaka Enyia shared how her personal experiences inspired the project. “Growing up without access to menstrual hygiene products after losing my mother made me realise how many girls miss school due to lack of menstrual care,” she said. “The Pad Bank is not just about distributing sanitary pads; it’s about promoting dignity, education, and equality.”
Enyia noted that the Pad Bank is stocked with over 2,000 sanitary pads and features a distribution tracking system to ensure sustained support for the over 500 girls currently benefiting from the program.
“HopeForHer is dedicated to empowering women and girls by breaking down systemic barriers such as period poverty and the lack of menstrual health education,” she added.
The event received widespread community support, including an endorsement from the Traditional Ruler of Umuokanne, His Royal Highness Eze Matthew Nwokoma, and other dignitaries.
In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Eze Nwokoma praised the initiative and affirmed the Royal Family’s commitment to its continuity.
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“The Pad Bank is a commendable project that will have lasting impact in our community,” he said. “It’s encouraging that shortly after its launch, the project has already started receiving donations. I applaud Chiamaka for her vision and urge other young people to follow her lead in tackling the challenges faced by the girl child.”
Several students who benefited from the program expressed gratitude for both the materials and the education provided.
“I’m really happy I attended the event. They even taught us how to wear pads,” said Emmanuella Ndubisi, one of the recipients.
Another student, Elejiechi Gladys, echoed the sentiment: “I feel very excited to be part of the programme. We learned so many things.”
