About 200 female students of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Demonstration Secondary School, Umudike and Ndume-Otuka Community Secondary School, Ndume, both in Abia State, have benefitted from the ‘Pad A Girl’ joint project of the Rotary Club of Umudike Central District 9142 and North Cobb Rotary Club, District 6900, USA.
Each of the students was given a 10-in-one pack of the re-usable sanitary pads. Under the project, Rotary Club introduced re-usable sanitary pads to young girls, explaining that they are cheap, convenient, comfortable, environmental-friendly, long-lasting and easy to use. The club also educated the girls on how to take better care of themselves and maintain good menstrual hygiene.
On the maintenance of the pads for a healthy and safe re-use, the students were told to gently wash them with clean water after at least six hours of use and sun-dry to avoid bacterial infections that would cause harm to their bodies. The students were also advised not to feel shy or isolate themselves during their monthly period, as having monthly menstrual flow is a natural healthy lifestyle and not a taboo.
The Club’s Public Image Maker, Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, said: “This re-usable sanitary pad is pocket-friendly, especially now that things are very hard. It is good for both girls and their mothers who can now save money formerly spent on disposable pads. By so doing, they can address their other vital needs.”
Earlier, the 2023-2024 Create Hope President of the Club, Seline, indicated that the project would be extended to six secondary schools in the state, disclosing that the success the project recorded in the previous year encouraged partnerships.
