Giving Back to Society: Nissi, Pad a Girl Initiative Donates Sanitary Pads to Secondary School Girls

 

By Taiwo Akintunde

JOS — The Nissi, Pad a Girl Initiative has distributed sanitary pads to students in two secondary schools in Jos, Plateau State, as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce school absenteeism among adolescent girls.

Convener of the initiative, Mrs. Naomi Daniel Cishak, said the outreach underscores the importance of community responsibility and intentional acts of service.

“Giving back to society is not just an act of charity; it is a responsibility,” she said. “A thriving community is built when individuals and organizations recognize the needs around them and take intentional steps to make a difference. True impact happens when we move beyond words and translate compassion into action.”

She explained that the distribution of sanitary pads goes beyond the provision of hygiene materials, noting that it addresses issues of dignity, confidence, and uninterrupted education for young girls.

“This effort is about restoring dignity, boosting confidence, and ensuring that young girls can stay in school during their menstrual cycles without shame or interruption,” Cishak added.

Menstrual health remains a major challenge for many schoolgirls, particularly those from low-income families. Limited access to sanitary products often results in absenteeism, reduced academic performance, and low self-esteem.

By targeting schools in Jos, the initiative aims to remove a silent but significant barrier to girls’ education and overall well-being. According to the convener, empowering girls through such interventions creates a ripple effect that benefits society at large.

“When girls are supported, they are empowered. And when they are empowered, they are more likely to succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to society in the future,” she said. “What may seem like a small gesture can change the trajectory of a young girl’s life.”

One of the beneficiaries, a Senior Secondary School student who identified herself as Mary James, expressed appreciation for the gesture.

“I am very happy and grateful for this support,” she said. “Sometimes it is difficult for our parents to provide sanitary pads every month. This donation will help us stay in school and focus on our studies without embarrassment.”

Funds for the outreach were raised through contributions from friends, family members, colleagues, and well-wishers who share the vision of promoting menstrual health and supporting girls’ education.

The “Nissi, Pad a Girl Initiative” continues to advocate for community-driven solutions to social challenges, demonstrating that sustainable development often begins with simple but impactful acts of kindness.

“As we give, we invest not just in individuals, but in the future of our society,” Cishak emphasized.