The Edo State Government has intensified its drive toward improving girls’ education and menstrual health awareness with the distribution of free sanitary pads and targeted sensitisation programmes in secondary schools across the state.
The initiative, which formed part of activities to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and held at Emotan College, Benin City.
The outreach brought together students, educators, and government officials in a coordinated effort aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene, reducing stigma, and encouraging school attendance among adolescent girls.
During the programme, schoolgirls were provided with sanitary pads while also participating in interactive health education sessions designed to improve their understanding of menstrual health management and personal hygiene practices.
The sessions also focused on building confidence among young girls, with facilitators encouraging open conversations around menstruation, a subject often surrounded by silence and cultural misconceptions.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Sally Suleiman, described menstrual health as a critical development issue that directly impacts education, gender equality, and overall wellbeing.
She emphasized that no girl should be forced to miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products, noting that the government’s intervention was designed to eliminate such barriers.
According to her, the programme goes beyond the distribution of sanitary pads, as it also seeks to empower girls with knowledge that will enable them to manage their health with dignity and confidence.
Suleiman further explained that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals three, four, and five, which focus on good health and wellbeing, quality education, and gender equality.
She added that the intervention is also consistent with the health and social development priorities of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritises inclusive and sustainable development across the state.
The SDG’s office noted that the programme, now in its second year, has continued to expand its reach through advocacy, school-based interventions, and community sensitisation campaigns aimed at improving menstrual health outcomes.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the gesture as timely and impactful in supporting their education and boosting their self-esteem.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining initiatives that promote girl-child education, reduce school absenteeism, and ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to menstrual health challenges.
