Rotary District 9127, under the leadership of the pioneer district governor Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, in collaboration with presidents and clubs in FCT and fully sponsored by Frangrance Oils International Plc, Manchester, UK, has successfully trained 400 girls on making reusable menstrual pads to eradicate menstrual poverty and distributed 400 kits to the girls who participated.
Nwanoshiri, during the skill acquisition training on Friday in Abuja, said the initiative aimed to promote menstrual hygiene, reduce period poverty, and empower young girls with valuable skills.
He explained that the training equips girls to make reusable sanitary pads, promoting self-sufficiency and confidence. He also said the program educates girls on safe menstrual practices and hygienic dignity, emphasising this during their menstrual cycles.
He said that by providing girls with a sustainable and cost-effective solution to menstrual hygiene, the initiative helps reduce the financial burden of disposable sanitary products. He said, “The training empowers girls to take control of their menstrual health, promoting their overall well-being and dignity. Reusable sanitary pads offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable products, contributing to a more sustainable future and by equipping girls with valuable skills, the initiative contributes to the development of the community, fostering a brighter future for its members.
“As the district governor of 9127 Rotary International, Nigeria, I’m proud to introduce a program that aligns with one of our seven focus areas. While travelling abroad, I noticed a significant gap in menstrual hygiene practices in our community compared to others. To address this, I collaborated with Frangrance Oils International Plc, Manchester, UK, to fund a project empowering young girls to use reusable sanitary pads. ”
“This initiative falls under hygiene, a crucial aspect of our young girls’ lives. We aim to teach them to acquire this skill, thereby enabling them to make their reusable pads. Today, these young girls have learned to sew their pads with their hands even without a sewing machine. ”
Again, the Project Director of the Abuja Rotary Presidents and Magic President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Ministers Hill, said the initiative, organised in collaboration with Rotary clubs in Abuja and sponsored by our District Governor’s partners Frangrance Oils International Plc, Manchester, UK aims to empower young girls with knowledge and skills on menstrual hygiene.
“Through our adopted school program, we’ve gathered 400 girls from about 20 schools to train them on making reusable sanitary pads. This skill will enable them to produce their pads, reducing their reliance on costly disposable products. By acquiring this skill, these girls will benefit from a cost-effective and sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene. ”
He appreciated the collaboration and support from the District Governor and Frangrance Oils International Plc, Manchester, UK, which has made the initiative possible.
Speaking, Rotarian Rabi Muhammad, President of Abuja Urban, also the president of all Rotary Clubs in Abuja, said the skill acquisition is very beneficial, especially for the girl child. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have the opportunities that girls have now. Thanks to our district governor, this initiative is an excellent invention. It’s very beneficial for the girl child.”
“I think it’s a great way to empower the girl child. With this initiative, any careful and diligent girl can learn a skill and even invest in it to make a living. It’s a wonderful way to promote skill acquisition and appreciation.”
