NGOs open pad bank and plastic bottle collection point in Imo

Enyia and some beneficiaries. Photo: Chigozie Uzosike

To fight period poverty and help the environment, a non-profit group, HopeForHer Initiative, has teamed up with the Chinenye Owums Foundation. They launched a Pad Bank and Plastic Bottle Collection Centre at Ohaji High School in Mgbirichi, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State.

At the launch on Friday, Miss Chiamaka Enyia, the founder of HopeForHer Initiative, said the project aims to make sure no girl misses school because of menstruation. It also helps with responsible waste management.

Enyia explained that the initiative wants to give girls knowledge, dignity, and access to menstrual products while tackling the problem of plastic waste in communities.

She mentioned that this project supports several Sustainable Development Goals like Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

The focus of the initiative is to fight period poverty, promote menstrual hygiene, and raise awareness about environmental issues among students and the local community.

Enyia said students learned about proper menstrual hygiene practices and personal care during their periods. They also discussed breaking the stigma around menstruation. Students received training on how to manage and maintain the Pad Bank to ensure girls in need can access sanitary products.

As part of the project, a Plastic Bottle Collection Centre was set up in the school. Students can exchange collected plastic bottles for sanitary pads through the Pad Bank.

“This initiative is a smart model that ensures a steady supply of menstrual products while promoting recycling and proper waste disposal,” she said.

Enyia added that through partnerships and community solutions, HopeForHer Initiative and the Chinenye Owums Foundation are committed to helping girls manage their menstruation with dignity while also promoting a cleaner environment.

Chinenyenwa Oguamaman, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, also spoke. She praised the HopeForHer team for their efforts in promoting menstrual health, protecting the dignity of girls, and ensuring they can continue their education.

She called the launch of the Pad Bank a significant achievement in improving the lives of adolescent girls in public schools in Imo State.

Oguamaman also praised the foundation's model that allows students to exchange plastic bottles for sanitary pads. She said it “addresses period poverty while promoting proper disposal and recycling of plastic bottles.”

She encouraged the students to take care of the Pad Bank and use it wisely to ensure its long-term success.

The governor’s aide promised to work more closely with the HopeForHer Humanitarian Foundation. She is ready to support other initiatives that promote the health, education, empowerment, and development of girls and young women in the state.

The launch saw about 350 people attend, including over 300 students, five representatives from the Governor's Office, community leaders, and others. Among the guests was Evarestus Dikeocha, Councillor for Awarra/Ikwerede Ward in the Ohaji/Egbema Legislative Council, and community leader John Nwaulu. They pledged their support for the initiative, along with 13 members of the HopeForHer Initiative team.