AWKA – The wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has urged girls in the state not to let their menstrual cycle hold back their ambitions.
Soludo spoke on Thursday in Awka, at the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day event organised by her Healthy Living Initiative.
The global day, marked every May 28, aims to break the silence around menstruation and promote proper menstrual hygiene.
This year’s theme is “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”
“You are strong, You are valuable, You are beautifully created.
“Your dreams are valid and nothing, not even your monthly cycle, should stop you from becoming the best version of yourselves,” she said
According to her, the initiative has distributed over 25,000 packs of sanitary pads to schoolgirls since 2024 and set up pad banks in more than 350 schools.
She added that the ‘banks’ are refilled regularly based on need.
“These pad banks have not only improved personal hygiene among girls, but have also restored confidence, reduced absenteeism, and created a more comfortable environment for learning and concentration in schools,” she said.
She described menstruation as a natural process that should never attract shame, stigma or discrimination.
The governor’s wife condemned cultural misconceptions that lead to isolation, mockery and restrictions for girls during their periods.
“Menstruation is not a curse, It is not a taboo, It is not something any girl should be ashamed of.
“Every girl deserves to experience her womanhood with dignity, confidence and pride, not fear or humiliation,” she said.
Soludo added that the Healthy Living Initiative continues to promote cleanliness, nutrition, physical wellness and preventive healthcare in homes, schools and communities across the state.
She enjoined parents, schools, religious bodies, businesses and development partners to help break the silence around menstruation and provide safe spaces for girls.
Also speaking, a medical expert Dr. Chikosoro Oforbuike, urged girls to prioritise menstrual hygiene to avoid infections.
She recommended regular pad changes, proper personal hygiene, and avoiding unclean materials during menstruation.
At Community Secondary School, Achalla in Awka North Local Government Area, a teacher Mrs. Chidinma Ekesiri said the pad bank had boosted students’ confidence and reduced absenteeism.
“Achalla is a rural community where most parents and guardians cannot afford to buy sanitary pads for their girl-child.
“The pad bank has increased access for our girls, saved cost and the girls no longer use rags or tissue paper,” she said
According to her, the initiative has helped to ‘drive’ the discuss about menstruation, dispel myths, as well as assure the girl child that menstruation is not a thing of shame.(NAN)
