By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi In a bid to fast-track the passage of a proposed bill seeking the establishment of sanitary pad banks in Bauchi...
By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi
In a bid to fast-track the passage of a proposed bill seeking the establishment of sanitary pad banks in Bauchi State schools to enhance menstrual hygiene management, Women for Women International (WFWI), a women-led NGO, organized a one-day meeting with Bauchi legislators to review the draft bill for expedited legislative approval.
The meeting, held in Jos, was attended by the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, alongside over 30 members of the House. The Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, was also in attendance.
In her keynote address, Bukola Oyinshi, the Country Director of Women for Women International, emphasized the importance of the review meeting in addressing a pressing issue affecting millions of women and girls across Nigeria.
“Menstrual health is not just a matter of dignity but also a critical component of health, education, and economic empowerment,” Oyinshi stated. She highlighted the challenges surrounding accessibility, affordability, and availability of menstrual hygiene products.
Oyinshi described the proposed Pad Bank Law as a bold step towards achieving menstrual equity. “By institutionalizing pad banks and removing fiscal barriers such as taxes on menstrual products, this legislation will significantly improve the lives of women and girls, particularly in underserved communities,” she noted.
She commended the commitment of WFWI's implementing partners in Bauchi State—Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHH) and Child is Gold Foundation—and expressed hope that their collective expertise would help craft a law that is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.
Acknowledging the NGO's efforts, Speaker Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman reaffirmed the Assembly’s support for advancing the rights of women and girls, despite the absence of female lawmakers. He urged ASHH and Child is Gold Foundation to incorporate the Assembly’s observations into the bill, pledging to expedite its passage.
“If the necessary adjustments are made promptly, the law can be passed within two weeks,” Suleiman assured.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, praised the initiative and commended ASHH and Child is Gold Foundation for their advocacy through the "Untax My Menstrual Pad" movement. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Child is Gold Foundation noted in her welcome address that the lack of access to sanitary pads is a significant barrier to education for many girls in Bauchi State.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Comfort Attah, Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, expressed gratitude to the participants, especially the Speaker and Assembly members, for their valuable contributions. She described the policy as transformative, aimed at fostering equality in education and opportunities for girls.
“This policy is about transforming lives and fostering equality in education and opportunity. Together, we have the power to bring change,” she concluded.
According to a press statement issued by ASHH Foundation and shared with journalists in Bauchi, the proposed bill has already passed its first and second readings in the 10th Bauchi State House of Assembly. It seeks to establish sanitary pad banks in all government schools across Bauchi State, an initiative funded by Women for Women International.
The statement further highlighted that the bill aims to address barriers faced by girls during menstruation, which often leads to absenteeism from school. It noted that the review engagement with legislators marked a significant milestone for the "Untax My Menstrual Pad" movement, a North-East initiative advocating for the removal of fiscal barriers to menstrual hygiene products. This movement has gained momentum, culminating in legislative action.
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