In a bold move to address menstrual hygiene challenges among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), “PAD Me A Girl Initiative, a project of GATMASH MEDIA in collaboration with Access Bank, has partnered with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) to introduce reusable sanitary pads to women in IDP camps.
In a courtesy visit to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, in Markudi today, 4th April, 2025, the convener, “Access Pad Me A Girl,” Theresa Moses, highlighted the challenges in awareness efforts, noting that while condoms are widely promoted for men, a very insignificant attention is given to menstrual hygiene for women.
She explained that the team’s trip from Lagos to Benue State was necessitated after being touched by reports of hardships faced by women in IDP camps.
While elaborating on the benefits of the reusable sanitary pads, the Convener explained that they can be washed and reused for up to a year, making them both cost-effective and environmental friendly compared to disposable pads.
Ms. Moses disclosed that the initiative is being sponsored by Access Bank, Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods, GATMASH NEWS, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, with the assurance that it would continue for as long as IDPs remain in the camps.
In addition, Ms Moses announced plans to establish “Pad Bank” to ensure that new arrivals are also provided with these other essential items.
Beyond menstrual hygiene, the organization extended its support by distributing exercise books and pens to school-age children in the camps, further contributing to their educational development.
The team used the opportunity to seek for approval to commence sensitization activities at Ortese IDP camp as a pilot phase.
Following the initial outreach, they plan to return for a more extensive and sustainable intervention.
Responding, the Benue-SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, who was represented by the Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, commended the initiative, stating that the absence of “Doctors Without Borders” in the camps has created a critical gap in healthcare and hygiene education.
Sir James emphasized that the project would significantly ease the financial burden of sanitary pads on displaced women.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with partners aligned with the vision of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to bring lasting solutions for the welfare of IDPs.
This collaboration marks a crucial step toward restoring dignity and improving hygiene for displaced women and girls in Benue State, which reinforces the importance of support for vulnerable communities.
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