Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says more than 25,000 packs of sanitary pads have so far been distributed to school girls across the state through the Healthy Living Initiative.
Soludo said the initiative had also established pad banks in more than 350 schools across Anambra to promote menstrual hygiene, restore confidence among girls and reduce absenteeism during menstrual periods.
She made the disclosure on Thursday in Awka during the commemoration of the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day organised by her pet project, Healthy Living Initiative.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked every May 28 to break taboos surrounding menstruation and raise awareness on the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management globally.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”.
According to Soludo, the pad banks established in schools are periodically refilled based on needs and usage.
“So far, over 25,000 packs of sanitary pads have been distributed through this initiative to support our school girls.
“These pad banks have not only improved personal hygiene among girls, but have also restored confidence, reduced absenteeism, and created a more comfortable environment for learning and concentration in schools,” she said.
The governor’s wife described menstruation as a natural part of life that should never attract shame, stigma or discrimination against women and girls.
She decried harmful cultural misconceptions surrounding menstruation, noting that many girls still suffered isolation, mockery and restrictions during their menstrual cycle.
“Menstruation is not a curse. It is not a taboo. It is not something any girl should be ashamed of.
“Every girl deserves to experience her womanhood with dignity, confidence and pride, not fear or humiliation,” she said.
Soludo said the Healthy Living Initiative had continued to promote cleanliness, proper hygiene, nutrition, physical wellness and preventive healthcare in homes, communities and schools across the state.
She explained that hygiene remained one of the six cardinal pillars of the initiative because healthy habits formed early in life helped to build healthier homes and communities.
According to her, the initiative, through Healthy Living School Clubs, has continued to educate and empower children on the importance of cleanliness, self-care and environmental responsibility.
She urged parents, schools, communities, religious bodies, corporate organisations and development partners to support efforts aimed at breaking the silence around menstruation and providing safe spaces for girls.
The governor’s wife also encouraged young girls in the state not to allow their menstrual cycle to hinder their dreams and aspirations.
“You are strong. You are valuable. You are beautifully created.
” Your dreams are valid, and nothing, not even your monthly cycle, should stop you from becoming the best version of yourselves,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Chikosoro Oforbuike, a medical expert, urged girls to take menstrual hygiene seriously to prevent infections.
She advised girls to change sanitary pads regularly, maintain proper personal hygiene and avoid the use of unclean materials during menstruation.
Narrating their experiences with the pad banks in schools, Mrs Chidinma Ekesiri, a teacher at Community Secondary School, Achalla, in Awka North Local Government Area, said the initiative had boosted the confidence of students and reduced absenteeism among menstruating girls.
“Achalla is a rural community where most parents and guardians cannot afford to buy sanitary pads for their girl-child.
“The pad bank has increased access for our girls, saved cost and the girls no longer use rags or tissue paper.
“The initiative has also helped us to talk about menstruation, create awareness, dispel myths and assure our girls that menstruation is not something to be ashamed of,” she said.
