They emphasized the need for economic empowerment for women, linking financial instability to mental health struggles and calling for free sanitary pads to address these challenges.
The Project Director of Shield Girls2Women Initiative, Florence Ibrahim, disclosed this in Abuja, during the commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025. The event focused on raising awareness about the connection between mental and menstrual health.
She stressed that the initiative is not a one-time event, as the organization plans to expand its outreach to other communities.
Ibrahim said: “When a woman is under extreme stress, she becomes mentally unstable, which can also affect her menstrual cycle, sometimes leading to irregular periods. That’s why developing coping mechanisms is essential. Our goal today is to equip women and girls with strategies to manage these challenges effectively.
“We chose this particular community because it has both older women and younger girls. This is an intergenerational conversation, where older women can share their experiences and coping strategies with the younger generation to help them navigate these challenges better.”
In her remarks, the Founder and Executive Director of PAD-UP Africa, Ashley Lori, highlighted the link between financial struggles and domestic abuse among women in the community.
She said: “We have observed that many women in this community face domestic abuse, largely due to financial struggles that make it difficult to meet their daily needs.
“As a result, they often find themselves trapped in a cycle they cannot escape. This marks our fourth year working in this community, and while progress has been made, there is still much to be done.
“This year’s theme, Accelerating Action, represents a domino effect. We believe that when women support one another, real change begins. Many women do not realize the importance of self-empowerment and personal growth.
“That’s why we are here: to foster collaboration, inclusivity, skill development, and capacity building. Our focus extends beyond mental health; it encompasses holistic empowerment. Mental health is deeply connected to everyday challenges.
“Today, these women have come to understand that issues such as menstrual cramps, hormonal imbalances, period stains, or a lack of access to sanitary products should not be suffered in silence. It is safe to talk about these challenges with fellow women.
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“When one woman is struggling, another can be her source of strength. This space encourages open conversations about topics they might not feel comfortable discussing elsewhere.
“Talking about these issues is essential, not just among women but also with their spouses and families. When a woman is trained, uplifted, and empowered, she not only thrives but also contributes positively to her community.
“Accelerating Action means pushing for inclusivity and better mental health so that women can fully participate in different sectors of society. Our mission extends beyond this community; we are also reaching out to urban areas because, despite differences in location, women everywhere share common struggles.”
The initiative also seeks to destigmatize menstrual health challenges, such as hormonal imbalances, period stains, and lack of access to sanitary products.
Also speaking at the event, the Village Head of Karmo Sabo, Jiwa Chiefdom, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Umar Sarki Gani, praised the initiative’s efforts in improving hygiene awareness in the community.
He further called on the government to enhance environmental protection efforts in rural areas.
Gani said: “I sincerely appreciate the education and enlightenment these women bring to our community. Their efforts have been truly uplifting, helping women feel better about themselves, maintain proper hygiene, and adopt better self-care practices.
“Many communities lack proper waste disposal facilities. If the government could deploy environmental protection trucks to help manage waste, it would significantly improve sanitation.”
He also advocated for the continuous involvement of health experts in rural communities, adding that the government should keep sending experts from the hygiene and health sectors to educate both men and women.
One of the beneficiaries expressed her gratitude: “I feel great and truly grateful for the enlightenment I received today. Thank you so much for providing us with sanitary pads; we are all deeply grateful.”
