Microfinance Bank Supports 500 Kwara Schoolgirls With Reusable Sanitary Pads

Baobab Microfinance Bank has distributed 500 reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Ilorin, Kwara State, as part of its efforts to address menstrual hygiene challenges among adolescent girls. The intervention, carried out under the bank’s Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Project, was implemented in collaboration with Sisters of Jannah (SOJ), a community-based organisation that helped identify the beneficiary school.

Limited access to sanitary products remains a major challenge for many schoolgirls in Nigeria, especially in low-income communities.

The situation often contributes to school absenteeism, poor academic performance and, in some cases, school dropout.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on the event, the bank’s chief business development officer, Joy Michael, said menstrual health should not hinder a girl’s education.

“At Baobab Microfinance Bank, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn without interruption. Menstrual health is not a privilege; it is a basic right,” she said. According to her, the intervention in Ilorin marks the beginning of efforts to address period poverty in other parts of Nigeria.

Also, the bank’s social performance manager, Barisi Samuels, said the project aimed to support young girls beyond the provision of sanitary materials.

“Beyond the distribution of sanitary pads, we delivered something even more important: dignity, confidence and reassurance to these girls that they are seen, valued and supported,” Samuels said. Similarly, Mistura Afolabi of Sisters of Jannah said many girls in the community struggle to access menstrual hygiene products. “Our work within this community has shown us the daily realities many girls face due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.

Through this collaboration, we ensured that support reached the girls who needed it most,” she said. The bank’s management said the project would be extended to other states through its nationwide branch network. The bank currently operates 38 branches in 16 states. The bank says the expansion will involve partnerships with local organisations to identify communities with serious menstrual health needs.