Plan International Nigeria Praises Bauchi Assembly for Menstrual Health Bill
By Zainab Adewale |
Historic Legislation for Girls’ Education
Plan International Nigeria has applauded the Bauchi State House of Assembly for passing a groundbreaking bill to establish free sanitary pad banks in schools, communities, and correctional facilities.
Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, described this as a “consequential and epoch-making” development in a statement to PREMIUM TIMES, making Bauchi the first Nigerian state to legislate menstrual health support for girls.
“This initiative will significantly reduce school absenteeism among girls who struggle to afford menstrual products,” said Usie.
Combating Period Poverty in Nigeria
The bill addresses the critical issue of period poverty, where approximately 500 million women globally lack access to menstrual hygiene products according to World Bank data.
In Nigeria’s conflict-affected Northeast region, many girls regularly miss school during menstruation due to financial constraints.
Proven Success Through Pilot Program
Between 2021-2023, Plan International successfully implemented a menstrual health project in Bauchi schools that:
- Established pad banks for adolescent girls
- Increased school attendance rates
- Partnered with local women’s rights organizations
“We’re thrilled to see this successful model becoming legislation,” Usie remarked.
Expanding Reproductive Health Initiatives
Plan International has a strong partnership with Bauchi State, including:
- Technical support for the 2023 Child Protection Bill
- Training for 18 women’s rights organizations
- The BORN maternal health project (2016-2020)
- Current adolescent health programs funded by Global Affairs Canada
A Call for Nationwide Adoption
Usie urged other states and the federal government to replicate this initiative, emphasizing its potential to:
- Improve girls’ education outcomes
- Advance gender equality
- Support vulnerable women in correctional facilities
“This legislation represents a major step forward for girls’ rights and educational opportunities in Bauchi,” Usie concluded.
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