The Deputy Community Leader of Ekot Etonko in Calabar South Local Government Area, Mr Effiok Okon, has appealed for continuous government and private sector support in providing free sanitary pads for young women and schoolgirls in the community.
Okon made the appeal during a PadBank outreach programme where the non-governmental organisation distributed sanitary pads to women and girls as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and combat period poverty.
Describing the gesture as “a blessing to mothers and daughters alike,” Okon said many girls in the area often miss school during their menstrual periods due to lack of sanitary materials — a situation he believes demands urgent attention.
The distribution exercise was held under PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0 initiative, which aims to reach 12 communities across Cross River State before the end of the year.
Speaking at the event, PadBank Coordinator Madam Archibong Bassey emphasised that menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right and that lack of access to sanitary materials has long-term effects on girls’ education and confidence.
“When a girl misses school every month because she lacks sanitary pads, it’s not just her future that’s affected — it’s the future of the community,” Bassey said. “Menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege.”
She added that PadBank’s work is powered by volunteers and private donors dedicated to improving women’s health and empowerment.
The Face of PadBank, Victoria Omini, described the initiative as more than charity, calling it “an act of empowerment” aimed at helping girls live confidently and with dignity.
“No girl should feel ashamed or drop out of school because of menstruation,” she said.
The outreach featured interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and confidence building, followed by the distribution of sanitary pads to women and schoolgirls.
