For many women and girls living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, managing their menstrual cycle is a daily struggle. The lack of access to sanitary pads and hygiene facilities forces them to use unhygienic alternatives, compromising their health and dignity.
The “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” has introduced innovative measures to tackle this critical challenge.
As part of its efforts, the initiative—a flagship project of GATMASH Media in collaboration with Access Bank—held an extended outreach at the Ortese IDP camp in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. During the outreach, the team distributed free reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, and pens to women and children.
The event, which took place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, aimed to promote menstrual hygiene and uphold the dignity of displaced girls and women.
According to the Convener of the initiative, Theresa Moses, the visit was part of a broader campaign to address the critical gaps in healthcare and hygiene education within IDP camps.
Moses emphasized the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene challenges faced by displaced women and girls.
"We came all the way from Lagos to Benue not just to donate, but to educate. These reusable sanitary pads can last up to a year, helping the girls maintain hygiene and save money,” she explained.
She also highlighted a disparity in awareness efforts, noting that while condoms are widely promoted for men, menstrual hygiene receives far less attention.
"We believe that every girl deserves to manage her menstruation with dignity and confidence. That's why we're here today—to provide these reusable sanitary pads and educate them on their use,” she added.
According to Moses, the initiative is sponsored by Access Bank, Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods, GATMASH News, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, Pro Star, and other partners. This collaboration underscores the power of joint efforts in addressing critical issues affecting vulnerable communities.
She assured that the initiative would continue as long as IDPs remain in camps, with plans to expand to other IDP settlements across the region.
The distributed reusable pads, which can last up to a year, are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly—offering a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene needs.
To ensure long-term impact, a Pad Bank was launched at Ortese Camp to provide ongoing support to IDP women and girls.
In addition to sanitary pads, exercise books and pens were distributed to school-aged children to support their educational development. The initiative aims to promote both education and empowerment among displaced children.
Food items were also shared to support the well-being of IDP residents, demonstrating the initiative’s commitment to addressing their holistic needs.
Theresa Moses was accompanied by dedicated members of her team, including Mrs. Salome Alomah, Mr. Iliya J. Galadima, Engr. Michael Hosea, Dr. Michael Morah, Angela, and Terfa Tsetim.
The team was warmly welcomed by the camp residents, who greeted them with heartfelt songs and open arms. Ortese Camp Manager Elizabeth Asan expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, stating that it would significantly improve the lives of women and children in the camp.
This intervention builds on the momentum of the team’s earlier engagement at Area 1 IDP Camp, Durumi, Abuja, and stands as a testament to the lasting impact of targeted support for vulnerable communities.
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