Edo State distributes sanitary pads to schoolgirls for Menstrual Hygiene Day

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

The outreach, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), took place at Emotan College and included sensitisation sessions on menstrual hygiene. The programme focused on educating students about personal hygiene, menstrual health, confidence, dignity, and the importance of staying in school while menstruating.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Sally Suleiman, described menstrual health as a critical development issue. She stated that every girl deserves dignity, confidence, and the opportunity to remain in school without limitations caused by lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. She noted that the state government’s distribution of pads is aimed at supporting the girls.

Suleiman explained that the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, and 5, which address health, education, and gender equality, as well as the health pillar of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.

According to her, the programme, 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 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 menstrual hygiene support.