In commemoration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation launched its “Pad Up Our Girls, Keep Them in School” campaign, a two-day event aimed at promoting menstrual health awareness and empowering young girls to stay in school during their menstrual cycles. The initiative, held from May 28th to May 29th, 2024, saw the distribution of sanitary pads and a series of sensitization sessions at secondary schools across Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area (LGA).
This initiative comes as part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of girls in the community, ensuring they have the support and resources necessary to maintain their education without interruption due to menstrual health issues.
Bridging the Menstrual Hygiene Gap
The “Pad Up Our Girls, Keep Them in School” campaign is a direct response to the challenges many young girls face when dealing with menstruation, particularly the lack of access to affordable menstrual products. These challenges often result in girls missing school days or even dropping out entirely, contributing to educational inequality. The Hon. Okey Joe Foundation, recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, has made menstrual hygiene a priority as part of its broader mission to empower and uplift girls and young women.
During the two-day event, hundreds of sanitary pads were distributed to female students, with a focus on providing those from underserved and vulnerable communities with the supplies they need to manage their menstrual cycles with dignity. The foundation also partnered with local health professionals and educators to deliver comprehensive menstrual health education, dispelling myths and providing crucial information on menstrual hygiene management.
Promoting Education and Empowerment
Speaking at one of the secondary schools visited during the event, Hon. Prince Okey-Joe Jesse Onuakalusi, founder of the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation, emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene in keeping girls in school.
“Menstrual hygiene is not just about providing pads, but also about ensuring that girls feel confident, healthy, and supported during their school years. By giving them the resources they need, we are empowering them to continue their education without shame or stigma. Education is their right, and we will do everything in our power to help them achieve their full potential,” Onuakalusi said.
The foundation’s sensitization sessions were designed to foster open discussions about menstruation, breaking the silence and stigma that often surround the topic. Girls were encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. The sessions covered topics such as menstrual health basics, proper hygiene practices, and the importance of menstrual cycle tracking for overall health and well-being.
Impacting Lives Beyond the Classroom
In addition to distributing pads and conducting educational sessions, the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation highlighted the long-term benefits of keeping girls in school during their menstrual cycles. Statistics show that when girls have access to proper menstrual hygiene products, they are more likely to complete their education, improving their future employment prospects and reducing the likelihood of early marriage.
The foundation’s initiative is not just a one-time event but part of its sustained efforts to address barriers to girls’ education in Oshodi-Isolo. Through ongoing support and advocacy, the foundation aims to create an environment where girls can focus on their studies without the disruption caused by inadequate menstrual hygiene management.
A Call for Continued Support
As the event concluded, Hon. Okey-Joe Jesse Onuakalusi called on community members, stakeholders, and policymakers to join the foundation’s efforts to support menstrual hygiene and education for girls. He stressed the importance of collaboration in ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to thrive in school, regardless of her menstrual health needs.
“Our goal is to create a future where no girl is left behind because of menstruation. We are calling on everyone—parents, teachers, leaders, and the government—to join us in this mission. Together, we can pad up our girls and keep them in school, ensuring that they grow into empowered women who contribute to society,” Onuakalusi concluded.
Looking Forward
The success of the “Pad Up Our Girls, Keep Them in School” campaign underscores the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation’s dedication to tackling the challenges faced by girls in Oshodi-Isolo and beyond. As the foundation continues its work, it remains committed to advocating for menstrual health education, providing resources for girls, and promoting gender equity in education.
Through initiatives like this, the foundation is not just supporting girls’ education—it is paving the way for a future where all girls can achieve their full potential, unhindered by the barriers of menstrual health stigma and inequality.
