Bauchi Girls Empowered With Reusable Pad Production Skills

About 20 adolescent girls and women in Bauchi local government area of Bauchi State have been equipped with practical skills in the production, distribution, marketing and sales of reusable sanitary pads, in a move aimed at boosting livelihoods and improving menstrual hygiene.

The training was organised under the Menstrual Health Now (MH-NOW) Project, an ongoing initiative of Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, targeted at empowering adolescent girls and women while promoting safe menstrual hygiene practices before, during and after menstruation.

PSI Nigeria has selected three local government areas in the state, Bauchi, Misau and Katagum, for the implementation of the project.

Speaking during the training for producers and distributors in Bauchi LGA, Mrs. Plangnan Dashe of PSI Nigeria said the programme was designed to equip women with effective menstrual hygiene management skills while improving their economic independence.

She noted that the rising cost of disposable sanitary pads, worsened by the current economic hardship, has made them unaffordable for many women and girls.

According to her, producing reusable sanitary pads offers a cheaper and safer alternative, while discouraging harmful practices such as the use of wrappers or pieces of cloth during menstruation.

“This initiative is about dignity, health and self-reliance,” Mrs Dashe said, adding that the project would enable beneficiaries to expand small-scale businesses and generate sustainable income.

In a presentation on reusable pad production, Adah Samuel of the Nigeria Women Rights and Empowerment Network (NIWOREN) explained that the pads are locally produced with hygienic, safe materials and can last up to two years if properly washed and maintained.

She commended PSI Nigeria and the MH-NOW Project for initiating the programme, describing it as a major step toward empowering women and adolescent girls with knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their menstrual health safely and affordably.