Child is Gold Foundation (CIGF) has lauded the Bauchi State House of Assembly for passing the bill seeking to create pad banks in the school in the second reading and held a public hearing with the relevant stakeholders.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Barr. Elizabeth George, said that her organisation and other civil society organisations have been pressing for the policy to end menstrual poverty, particularly in school.
George said that the objective was to promote menstrual health and hygiene among female students.
The House had last week held a public hearing on the establishment of Pad Banks in primary and secondary schools in Bauchi State.
She said: "In a groundbreaking step towards promoting menstrual health and hygiene, Child Is Gold Foundation and ASHH Foundation, with sponsorship from Women for Women International under the CSSF funding, have spearheaded a movement advocating for the establishment of Pad Banks in primary and secondary schools, as well as in communities across Bauchi State,” she said.
She explained that the CSOs had had a series of strategic advocacy visits to relevant ministries to address menstrual health management.
According to her, the proposed bill has successfully passed its first and second readings in the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
The public hearing brought key stakeholders to the roundtable, these include; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), pressure groups, traditional leaders, religious leaders and representatives from relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
"The public hearing witnessed thoughtful contributions, constructive feedback, and critical reviews from participants, reflecting a collective commitment to shaping a comprehensive policy that not only guarantees access to menstrual products but also fosters awareness, education, and the eradication of stigma surrounding menstruation.”
She further noted that the initiative represents more than just a policy push but a movement advocating for dignity, health, and equal opportunities for young girls and women in Bauchi State.
Barrister Elizabeth added that Child Is Gold Foundation, ASHH Foundation and other partners in the movement remained resolute in their pursuit for a sustainable solution to menstrual poverty, calling on all stakeholders to support the passage and implementation of the policy for the benefit of future generations.
Speaking, the Chairman House Committee on health, Hon. Lawan Dauda, who presided over the public hearing, commended the efforts of the civil society organisations and other partners for coming up with such an incredible initiative and also committed to ensuring that they’ll do everything within their power to ensure that this law sees the light of day.
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