Nigerian Students Learn to Make Reusable Menstrual Pads

Students in Keffi, Nigeria are learning a skill that could change their lives and help their communities: making reusable sanitary pads.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Nigeria partnered with local government agencies to launch a menstrual health awareness campaign on World Menstrual Health Day. The program brought together students, teachers, health workers, and government officials to address a problem affecting millions of girls.

An estimated 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities. In Nigeria, many girls miss school during their periods because they can't afford disposable pads or don't have safe bathrooms to use.

Angelina Kigbu from the Keffi Education Area Office announced plans to create a club where girls will learn to produce reusable sanitary pads. The initiative tackles two problems at once: affordability and awareness.

"If they can make it themselves, they can teach others and expand awareness," Kigbu explained. "Most girls are not aware this is possible."

For students like Victoria Samson, 15, and Catherine Ogogi, 16, the program opened their eyes. They learned proper hygiene practices, how to make reusable pads, and how to dispose of used products safely. Both girls called for schools to stock emergency sanitary pads and provide better bathroom facilities.

The campaign also worked to break down the silence surrounding menstruation. Halima Omaku from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs emphasized that many girls still grow up without basic information about their bodies.

"This programme provides enlightenment and education on issues many people still struggle to discuss openly," Omaku said. She encouraged boys to participate in these conversations too, noting that ending stigma requires everyone's involvement.

The Ripple Effect

What started as one awareness event in Keffi could spread across communities. Girls who learn to make reusable pads can teach their friends, sisters, and neighbors. They become both users and educators, creating a sustainable solution that doesn't depend on donated supplies.

The program addresses what development agencies increasingly recognize: menstrual health directly affects girls' education and future opportunities. When girls have access to products and information, they stay in school, participate fully in activities, and grow up with dignity.

Health educator Deborah Mamman taught participants to change pads every six to eight hours and maintain proper hygiene. These practical skills, combined with the ability to make their own supplies, give girls the tools to manage their periods confidently.

One awareness campaign is lighting the path toward a future where no girl misses school because of her period.