Over 700 students receive free reusable pads from rotary club on Girl Child Day celebration

By Mosunmola Ayobami

In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Rotary Club of Bida Central, under the leadership of its President, Rotarian Bosede Folashade Rotimi, has distributed reusable pads to over 700 students aged 12 and above at Government Girls’ Science College, Bida, Niger State.

Speaking during the event on Friday, President Rotimi emphasized the critical role of the girl child in society, stating that girls represent the past, present, and future.

“Today, October 11, 2024, we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future.’ The role of the girl child can never be overstated. She embodies our dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Often relegated to the background, the girl child deserves to be recognized for who she is and the potential she carries,” she said.

Rotimi highlighted the importance of access to menstrual products, noting that menstruation is a natural process for females but that many girls face challenges in accessing hygienic products due to financial constraints, rising costs, and lack of awareness.

“To address this, Rotary Club of Bida Central is executing the ‘Pad Up a Girl’ project today by providing reusable menstrual pads to all students who have started their periods. Reusable pads offer sustainable benefits, including cost-effectiveness, as girls don’t have to worry about next month’s supply, unlike disposable pads,” she explained.

Rotimi also pointed out that reusable pads are environmentally friendly, safe, and culturally acceptable. They help reduce waste as they are not made of plastic, decomposing more naturally when discarded.

In addition to distributing the pads, the Rotary Club provided a demonstration on how to use them and offered education on menstrual hygiene. The club also established peer menstrual hygiene groups and provided career talks and mentorship support for the students.

Rotimi further explained the broader mission of Rotary, a non-profit organization and global network of over 1.4 million individuals dedicated to creating lasting change. She stated that Rotary has been active for 119 years, working on sustainable projects in various areas, including supporting the girl child.

“This project is a testament to our cause and our vision,” she said, appreciating the donors who made the initiative possible. “Without their generous contributions, we wouldn’t have been able to reach the over 700 girls present today.”

The president also thanked the school management for their cooperation and the warm reception received.

The principal of the school, Hajia Hauwa Lami Yau, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the school and the students. She acknowledged the importance of the program, stating that the girl child is vital to the future of any nation, and thanked Rotary for celebrating the day with them.

Hajia Yau also noted that menstrual products have become less accessible due to the economic situation in the country, making the donation particularly beneficial.

Some of the students who received the pads, including the Head Girl Hadiza Mohammed and Monica Danladi, praised the Rotary Club for organizing the event.

“We learned a lot, especially about menstrual hygiene and career choices. We were also taught how to care for the reusable pads. We are very grateful to the club for this donation,” the students said, wishing the club continued success.