Ebonyi First Lady Launches Pad Girl Initiative, Targets 10,000 Teenage Girls ‎

‎ ‎ ‎The wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has launched the 'Pad a Girl Initiative' aimed at reaching over 10,000 teenage girls across the 13 local government areas of the state with sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education.

‎ ‎The initiative, organised in collaboration with the offices of the First Lady, Ministries of Education, Health, Women Affairs and Social Development, alongside the Better Health for Rural Women Foundation, was flagged off today at Community Secondary School Ndiuruku Amagu in Abakaliki to commemorate the 2026 World Pad Day. ‎ ‎Speaking during the event, Mrs. Nwifuru said the programme was designed to promote hygiene, dignity, confidence, and school attendance among girls, particularly those in rural communities. ‎

‎She noted that many young girls miss classes during their menstrual periods due to lack of access to sanitary pads, stressing that menstruation should never be a barrier to education or self-esteem. ‎ ‎According to her, the initiative would provide sanitary pads and menstrual education to thousands of girls while also helping to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation. ‎

‎“Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. ‎ ‎"Menstruation is natural, and with the right information and support, every girl can manage it confidently,” she said.

‎ ‎The First Lady also encouraged girls to believe in themselves, maintain personal hygiene, and avoid negative influences capable of limiting their potential. ‎ ‎She further appreciated the Governor of Ebonyi State for implementing policies that support women and the girl-child to achieve their full potential. ‎

‎Also speaking, the Chairperson of Better Health for Rural Women Foundation cautioned girls against misconceptions linking menstruation with sexual activity, warning that no girl should be deceived into abuse under such false beliefs.

‎ ‎Reacting to the initiative, the Coordinator of Abakaliki Development Centre, John Nwofoke, and the traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community, Eze Fidelis Nwonumaru, commended the state government and BERWO Foundation for promoting hygiene and girl-child development.

‎ ‎Some beneficiaries, including Miss Ogu Chinenye and Miss Uwakanma Celestina, expressed gratitude for the sensitisation, educational materials, and health support received, promising to become worthy ambassadors of the state.