The Rotary Club of Obantoko, in collaboration with the IRPEP Empowerment Project, took a remarkable step toward ending period poverty among schoolgirls by donating over 200 reusable sanitary pads to students of Nawair-ud-deen Grammar School, Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday.
The initiative, led by Rotary Club President Rotarian Ayodele Williams Fakiyesi, aimed not only to meet an immediate need but to empower young girls with essential knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene.
“We believe in the power of education and empowerment to change lives,” said Fakiyesi, addressing the students and community members present at the event.
“These reusable sanitary pads are not just for hygiene; they represent our commitment to supporting young girls, enabling them to focus on their studies without fear or discomfort. With this initiative, we hope to reduce the economic strain on their families and to foster a sense of dignity and pride in these girls,” he added.
Promoting Menstrual Health and Empowerment
Sonde-Ikokoh Iyanuoluwa, representing IRPEP’s Community Economic Project, provided training on the proper use and maintenance of the reusable pads, which are made from locally-sourced materials and are designed to last up to two years.
The reusable pads are expected to save families the recurring cost of disposable products, a critical aspect considering the rising economic challenges in the country.
“Our goal is to reduce period poverty and help these girls see their menstrual cycle as a natural, empowering part of their lives rather than something to be ashamed of,” Sonde-Ikokoh said.
She also noted that the project has previously empowered 150 girls and distributed 100 reusable pads across similar communities.
The students, many of whom were engaging with menstrual health education for the first time, expressed gratitude and optimism about the impact of the initiative.
One of the beneficiaries, a 15-year-old student named Aisha, shared her excitement: “I am so happy to have this knowledge and these pads. Sometimes my family cannot afford sanitary products, and I miss school because of it. Now I can feel confident and come to school even when I have my period.”
Another student, Funmi, expressed her newfound pride in embracing her menstrual health: “Before, I thought my period was something to hide, but now I understand it’s natural and nothing to be ashamed of. I feel like I’ve gained confidence, and I’m grateful to Rotary Club and IRPEP for helping us.”
Extending Community Support Beyond Menstrual Health
In addition to the sanitary pad initiative, the Rotary Club of Obantoko has engaged in several other community-focused projects, addressing a range of health and economic challenges.
Fakiyesi detailed the club’s previous efforts, saying, “In line with our Community Economic Development Project, we’ve provided over 200 people with free medical services at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Bode Ijaiye”.
“Our services included malaria screening and treatment, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screenings, eye tests, and distribution of mosquito nets. These initiatives are our way of giving back to the community and ensuring everyone has access to basic health resources.”
The Rotary Club also initiated soap-making training for women, providing them with skills to generate income and become self-reliant.
“Economic empowerment is essential for a thriving community. By empowering women with skills like soap making, we are enabling them to support their families and contribute to community growth,” Fakiyesi said.
Building Entrepreneurial Mindsets Among Students
The Coordinator of Rotary Club Presidents in Abeokuta, Rotarian Henry Adedokun, took the opportunity to inspire the students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
Adedokun, who emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency, encouraged the students to think beyond their immediate challenges and look toward creating sustainable solutions within their community.
“We want you to understand that entrepreneurship isn’t just for adults; you can start learning and growing these skills now. Learning to make reusable pads could even become a future business for some of you,” he told the students.
Community Reactions and Future Plans
The initiative received positive reactions from teachers, and other school community members who were present. Many expressed relief, noting that the donation would ease the financial strain on families who struggled to afford disposable sanitary products.
A teacher at the school, Mrs. Adeola, expressed her appreciation for the program: “This initiative has not only provided our girls with sanitary materials but has also taught them valuable knowledge on menstrual hygiene. The training today is truly a gift, and I’m grateful to the Rotary Club and IRPEP for their thoughtful efforts.”
The Rotary Club of Obantoko has plans to continue its community-focused projects with more health and empowerment programs lined up.
“We are committed to maintaining monthly programs that respond to the pressing needs of our communities”.
“From health services to economic empowerment, we are here to make a positive difference”, Fakiyesi concluded.
With its collaborative efforts and dedication to social impact, the partnership between the Rotary Club of Obantoko and IRPEP Empowerment Project has set a strong example of how organizations can address societal issues through local, sustainable solutions that uplift and empower the next generation.
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