CLO FOUNDATION EMPOWERS SCHOOLGIRLS IN ENUGU WITH “PAD A GIRL” INITIATIVE
Enugu, Nigeria – In a bid to promote menstrual hygiene and keep girls in school, Clo Foundation has successfully concluded its Pad A Girl project at Government Secondary School, Enugu.
The outreach, held on June 2, 2025, brought together more than 200 adolescent girls, teachers, and health experts for an interactive session on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and self-confidence. The highlight of the event was the free distribution of sanitary pads to students, aimed at reducing absenteeism caused by lack of menstrual care products; a step that directly advances global calls for good health and well-being (SDG 3) and quality education (SDG 4).
Speaking during the program, the Founder and Visionary of Clo Foundation, Amb. Queen Chioma Lynda Onwuka, who was ably represented by Mrs NneOma Queeneth Okpara, the Organizational Counseling Director emphasized the importance of ensuring that no girl misses school because of her period.
“Menstruation should never be a barrier to education. Through Pad A Girl, we are not just giving sanitary pads, we are creating awareness, restoring dignity, boosting confidence, and protecting the future of these girls,” she said, echoing the principles of gender equality (SDG 5).
The school proprietress; Mrs. Eze, In her welcome address, commended Clo Foundation for bridging a critical gap in the school system, describing the initiative as both transformative and timely.
The students participated in an educational session led by health professional, Ms. Nwabunike Charity, who covered essential topics every girl should know about the menstrual cycle, explaining why it occurs and the biological processes behind it.
Ms. Lydia Adora Ikeh, who spoke on Menstrual Hygiene Management, conducted a live demonstration on the proper placement of sanitary pads, maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation, and safe disposal practices. She further emphasized key health tips to help prevent infections and reduce discomfort.
The inspirational session, a vital component of any girl-child initiative, centered on Confidence and Self-Awareness Beyond Menstruation was anchored by Mrs Amarachukwu ohaka. She encouraged the students to embrace menstruation as a normal part of life, build self-confidence, and remain focused on personal growth and education.
The icebreaker activity, featuring a short quiz and word puzzle, created a fun and engaging atmosphere that helped the students relax, interact, and build rapport. Another highlight of the program was an interactive discussion, presented as a question-based game, which debunked common menstrual myths and encouraged students to express their views openly. This session was skillfully supervised by Ms. Ijeoma Anameze.
One of the beneficiaries expressed her gratitude, saying:
“Before now, I used to stay home during my heavy period flow because I barely have pads, the discomfort, stain and shame that comes as a result of inappropriate pad placement but Now, I feel confident and can attend school without fear.”
The President of the organization Evanglist. Gift Ugochi onwuka states that Beyond its immediate impact, the Pad A Girl initiative contributes to building inclusive and equitable communities by breaking harmful stereotypes and normalizing conversations around menstruation. In doing so, it reinforces the global vision of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showing how grassroots interventions can create meaningful change in health, education, and gender equality.
In a closing remark; The head of Mission; Mr Michael Legend highlighted that The Pad A Girl project is part of Clo Foundation’s broader mission to promote girl-child empowerment, education, and gender equality across Nigeria. The foundation has pledged to extend the initiative to more schools in rural communities and beyond, ensuring that no girl’s education is interrupted by a natural biological process.
