Soludo Moves Against Menstrual Stigma, Opens 350 Pad Banks in Anambra Schools

By Praise Chinecherem

In a determined push against age-long stigma surrounding menstruation, wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, on Thursday declared that discrimination against menstruating women and girls must come to an end, even as she unveiled 350 sanitary pad banks across secondary schools in the state.

Speaking during the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day observance, Mrs Soludo described menstruation as “a natural part of life,” insisting it must no longer be treated as a taboo, curse, or source of shame for young girls.

With evident concern, the governor’s wife lamented what she termed the “grave silence” endured by countless girls in many communities owing to poor hygiene education, harmful cultural beliefs, social stigma, and lack of access to sanitary materials.

According to her, many girls still suffer humiliation during their monthly cycle, with some isolated, mocked, or restricted from participating in normal activities, while others are made to feel inferior and unclean.

She urged society to replace “shame with understanding, silence with education, and exclusion with compassion.”

Addressing students, teachers, health advocates, and community leaders at the event, Mrs Soludo said her advocacy was rooted in the dignity and future of the girl-child.

“I stand before you not just as a mother, a woman, or the wife of the Governor of Anambra State,” she declared, “but as an advocate for dignity, health, confidence, and the future of our children, especially girls.”

“Every girl deserves to experience her womanhood with dignity, confidence, and pride — not fear or humiliation,” she added.

Mrs Soludo disclosed that through her nongovernmental platform, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, no fewer than 350 sanitary pad banks had been established in secondary schools across Anambra State to support girls during menstruation.

She revealed that over 25,000 packs of sanitary pads had so far been distributed under the initiative.

The intervention, she noted, had not only improved personal hygiene among schoolgirls, but also reduced absenteeism, restored confidence, and created a more conducive learning environment.

“For many girls, knowing that help is available during their menstrual cycle has removed fear, anxiety, and embarrassment from the classroom experience,” she stated.

She further explained that the initiative formed part of the broader Healthy Living campaign, which promotes hygiene, nutrition, physical wellness, and preventive healthcare in homes, schools, and communities across the state.

Mrs Soludo maintained that hygiene — both personal and environmental — remained one of the cardinal pillars of the programme because healthy habits cultivated early in life help build stronger families and healthier societies.

She also disclosed that Healthy Living School Clubs across the state had continued to educate children on cleanliness, self-care, and responsible health practices.

In an appeal to parents, schools, religious bodies, corporate organisations, and development partners, the governor’s wife called for collective action in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and creating supportive spaces for girls.

“To our young girls in Anambra State,” she said, “you are strong, valuable, and beautifully created. Your dreams are valid, and nothing — not even your monthly cycle — should stop you from becoming the best version of yourselves.”

She urged stakeholders to continue building “an Anambra where every girl-child grows with confidence, dignity, knowledge, and access to proper healthcare and hygiene.”