Advocacy for Menstrual Hygiene Support in Cross River State Highlights Critical Need for Sanitary Pads

Introduction

The Urgent Call for Sanitary Pad Access in Cross River State

The ongoing struggle for menstrual equity in Nigeria has taken center stage in Cross River State, where community leaders are rallying against systemic neglect. On October 23, 2025, Mr. Effiok Okon, Deputy Crew Leader of Ekot Etonko, publicly urged the federal government to prioritize regular free sanitary pad donations. This plea follows a groundbreaking initiative by PadBank, a non-governmental organization, which distributed hygiene supplies to over 500 women and schoolgirls in the region. The event, part of PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0, aimed to combat period poverty while addressing the cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation. This article delves into the intersection of public health, education, and gender equality in Nigeria’s southern states.

Analysis of the Menstrual Hygiene Crisis

The Hidden Epidemic of Period Poverty

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria, exacerbated by cultural taboos, economic inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. According to UNICEF, over 50% of Nigerian girls miss school during their periods due to a lack of sanitary products. In Cross River State, where rural poverty is pervasive, the issue is amplified. Mr. Okon highlighted that girls in Ekot Etonko often absenteeism spikes during menstruation cycles, disrupting academic progress and perpetuating gender disparities. This cycle of exclusion underscores the urgency of targeted interventions.

• Key Drivers of Period Poverty:
  • Low-income households cannot afford commercial sanitary pads.
  • Cultural stigma prevents open discussion about menstruation.
  • Limited government funding for rural health programs.

Economic and Educational Impacts

Period poverty is not merely a health issue but a socioeconomic barrier. Girls who miss school face higher risks of dropping out, reducing their future earning potential. A 2023 study by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research found that menstrual hygiene challenges cost Nigeria’s economy $36 million annually in lost educational opportunities. PadBank’s initiative seeks to mitigate this by providing both material support and psychological reassurance to young women.

Summary of PadBank’s Outreach Initiative

Mobile Outreach 3.0: A Model for Sustainable Change

PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0, launched in 2025, targets 12 communities in Cross River State with free sanitary pads, hygiene education, and community engagement. The October 23 event in Ekot Etonko included workshops on reproductive health and interactive dialogues to dispel myths about menstruation. Over 500 beneficiaries received supplies, with plans to expand the program statewide by 2026.

• Key Components of PadBank’s Program:
  • Free sanitary pad distribution.
  • Menstrual hygiene workshops led by local health advocates.
  • Partnerships with schools to integrate MHM into curricula.

Key Challenges in Addressing Menstrual Health

Cultural and Social Barriers

In many Nigerian communities, menstruation is shrouded in secrecy and shame. A 2024 report by the WaterAid Foundation revealed that 70% of girls in rural Cross River State view periods as “impure.” This stigma often leads to girls using unsanitary alternatives, such as cloth or sand, increasing health risks. Community leaders like Mr. Okon play a vital role in normalizing conversations about menstrual health.

Infrastructure Deficiencies

The lack of accessible sanitation facilities in schools further compounds the problem. Over 60% of rural schools in the state lack separate sanitation blocks for girls, with 40% of schools having no water supply. PadBank’s approach combines material aid with infrastructure advocacy, urging schools to adopt MHM-friendly environments.

Practical Advice for Stakeholders

Recommendations for NGOs and Community Leaders

To amplify initiatives like PadBank’s, stakeholders must collaborate strategically:

• Expand NGO Partnerships: Encourage corporate sponsorships of menstrual hygiene programs.
• Integrate MHM into Public Health Policies: Advocate for MHM inclusion in national education and healthcare frameworks.
• Engage Religious Institutions: Partner with faith-based organizations to reduce stigma through sermons and community dialogues.

Government Accountability

The federal government must prioritize MHM in budget allocations. Allocating 1% of the education budget to menstrual health initiatives could provide scads of girls in rural communities with life-changing support. Additionally, state governments should mandate MHM in school curricula from primary education.

Points of Caution: Navigating Implementation Challenges

Ensuring Dignity and Inclusion

While well-intentioned, some sanitary pad distribution programs inadvertently cause embarrassment. Community-informed designs—such as discreet packaging and menstruation-friendly facilities—are essential to maintaining beneficiaries’ dignity.

Sustainability Over Short-Term Solutions

One-time donations, while helpful, are insufficient. Sustainable models include training local women as menstrual health advocates and establishing community production hubs for affordable sanitary products. PadBank’s volunteer network exemplifies this approach, with 100+ organizers trained in health education and supply distribution.

Comparative Analysis: Lessons from Global Best Practices

India’s Gulmohar Project vs. Nigeria’s Local Efforts

India’s Gulmohar Project, which distributed biodegradable sanitary pads to 1 million girls in 2022, offers lessons for Nigeria. The initiative combined cost-effective production methods with school-based education, achieving a 30% increase in female enrollment. Cross River State’s PadBank team could replicate this model by partnering with local manufacturers to reduce supply costs.

Comparing Urban vs. Rural Challenges

Urban areas like Lagos have better access to MHM resources due to stronger infrastructure. However, rural communities often face layered challenges, including transportation barriers and lower health literacy. Tailored strategies are critical to address these disparities.

Legal and Human Rights Implications

Menstrual Hygiene as a Right Under Nigerian Law

While Nigeria’s constitution does not explicitly mention menstrual health, international treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) obligate the country to eliminate gender-based barriers to education. The Nigeria Education Act of 2013 mandates free and compulsory education, yet menstrual-related absenteeism violates this principle. Legal experts argue that MHM neglect constitutes neglect of the Right to Education.

Accountability Mechanisms

Developing a national MHM policy could create accountability frameworks. For instance, establishing a national menstrual health task force—mandated by law—could monitor progress and allocate resources equitably across states.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Urgency in Addressing Menstrual Inequity

As Mr. Okon emphasized, menstrual hygiene is a cornerstone of gender equality and community progress. By scaling initiatives like PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0 and fostering intersectoral collaboration, Nigeria can dismantle barriers that keep girls out of school and women marginalized. The path forward requires not just funding but sustained advocacy and cultural transformation.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

1. How common is period poverty in Nigeria?

Approximately 1 in 3 Nigerian girls lacks access to menstrual products, leading to school absenteeism and dropout risks.

2. Can sanitary pads be produced locally at low cost?

Yes. Mobile labs in Kenya and India demonstrate that low-cost biodegradable pads can be manufactured at less than $0.10 per unit with community involvement.

3. What legal frameworks support menstrual health in Nigeria?

While not explicit, Nigeria’s commitment to CEDAW and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), mandates MHM as part of inclusive education.