To mark the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, over 100 girls in four Abuja communities have benefited from the Paáta Campaign a menstrual hygiene initiative focused on dignity, education, and access to reusable sanitary materials.
The outreach, which took place across Angwan Gede, Kpeyegyi, Anka, and Azhata communities in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, featured interactive sessions on bodily autonomy, underwear hygiene, and personal care. Reusable sanitary pads and underwear were also distributed.
The campaign was spearheaded by Centre for Teens Health and Development, in partnership with Tabitha Empowerment Centre, TEC, Let’s Talk Humanity Initiative, LTHi, Focusing on Women and Girls Initiative for Positive Change, and the Adolescent Health and Wellness Foundation.
Speaking during the excersise, Project Lead and Founder of Centre for Teens Health and Development, Morenikejimi Olaniran, said the campaign was rooted in her personal experience with period poverty. “As a young girl, I lacked access to sanitary products, menstrual education, and even basic underwear,” she said. “Those early experiences shaped my passion for this work.”
She added that the campaign, named Paáta — meaning underwear was not just about product distribution but also about restoring girls’ confidence.
“We believe every girl should manage her period with dignity, not shame. Through our MO reusable pads and education sessions, we’re changing that narrative one girl at a time,” she said.
A facilitator from TEC, Gladys Emmanuel, Esq. Who spoke on bodily autonomy, told the girls they had the right to decide what happens to their bodies. “No one should touch you without your permission. If it feels wrong, speak up,” she said.
She also took the girls through a game on body boundaries. “The point is to help them understand what kind of touch feels okay and to respect their own and others’ limits,” she added.
Speaking on hygiene,from Let’s Talk Humanity Initiative Sharon Chiahemen urged the girls to stay clean, especially during their periods. “Bath at least twice daily, wear clean underwear, and choose the right menstrual products,” she said, while clearing up myths surrounding menstruation.
Executive Director of Focusing on Women and Girls Initiative, Rifkatu Ademola, focused on vaginal care. She said, “Many girls overlook basic habits that affect their reproductive health. Clean underwear and good hygiene matter.”
For Morenikejimi Olaniran, who leads Centre for Teens Health Development, the campaign was personal. “I’ve experienced period poverty. That’s why we’re here to give girls reusable pads and underwear, and restore their dignity,” she said.
Also speaking, Oluwabunmi Roseline Bakare of Adolescent Health and Wellness Foundation said proper underwear hygiene could prevent infections and boost confidence. “We’re helping girls get ready for puberty and care for themselves with pride,” she said.
At the end of the sessions, over 100 girls received reusable pads, underwear, and basic menstrual kits to help them manage their periods safely.
