Menstrual Hygiene Day: Edo distributes sanitary pads to schoolgirls

The Edo State Government has distributed sanitary pads to schoolgirls as part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Benin City.

The outreach, organised through the Office of the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was held at Emotan College and also featured sensitisation sessions on menstrual hygiene.

The programme focused on educating students on personal hygiene, menstrual health, confidence, dignity, and the importance of staying in school during menstruation.

Speaking in a statement on Friday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Sally Suleiman, described menstrual health as a critical development issue.

“Every girl deserves dignity, confidence, and the opportunity to stay in school without limitations caused by lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. And that is why the state government pads to support the girls,” she said.

“Menstrual health is not just a health issue; it is a development issue,” Suleiman added.

She said the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4 and 5, which focus on health, education and gender equality, as well as the health pillar of the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

According to her, the programme reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable and data-driven interventions addressing menstrual health challenges across communities in the state.

Suleiman noted that the initiative, now in its second year, goes beyond the distribution of sanitary products to include awareness creation and advocacy for girls’ wellbeing.

Beneficiaries of the outreach commended the state government for the intervention, describing it as supportive of the dignity, health and educational future of young girls.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no girl is denied education, confidence or opportunity due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene support.