By Philip Yatai

An NGO, Safe World Empowerment and Development Initiative (SWEDI), has donated dignitary packs to school girls to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja.

Some of the items include sanitary pads, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, bathing soap and vaseline among others.

The founder and Executive Director of the NGO, Ms Sewuese Asa, led the distribution on Friday, at Junior Secondary School, Kabusa, in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Asa said that the support was in line with the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, to empower young girls through the SWEDI Care programme.

She said that the initiative was designed to support girls’ menstrual health, through sensitisation on menstrual hygiene and distribution of dignity packs.

This, she said, would ensure that no girl is held back by menstrual period.

She explained that the school outreach was to support girls’ menstrual hygiene and overall well-being, in line with the NGO’s vision of creating lasting change for women and girls across Nigeria.

The executive director also emphasised the importance of girls’ education, health and leadership training to enable them to contribute to the advancement of the society.

“SWEDI Care is more than just  products; it is about ensuring that every girl can continue to dream, learn, and lead with confidence and dignity.

“The outreach has attracted the attention of stakeholders to the critical issue of menstrual hygiene among young girls.

She reaffirmed SWEDI’s commitment to continue advocating for girls’ rights and well-being.

One of the school girls, Fatima Mohammed Fatima, described the outreach as simply “informative and impactful.”

Mohammed, who is the Head Girl of the school, thanked SWEDI for the enlightenment, saying, “we have learnt about the importance of menstrual hygiene and how to take care of ourselves, especially during menstrual period.

“The dignity packs we received from SWEDI Care are going to help us to stay confident and comfortable in school.

“I have learnt that having a menstrual period is normal and nothing to be ashamed of, and with the dignity pack from SWEDI, I now have the things I need to manage my period properly, even when I am at school.

“This programme has made me feel more confident about myself.

“I will share this knowledge with my friends and younger girls, so they don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed when they are menstruating.

“They need to know how to take care of themselves. We all deserve to feel strong and proud; no matter what,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru