By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Towards fast tracking the passage of a proposed bill seeking for the establishment of sanitary pad banks in Bauchi State shools for enhanced menstrual hygiene management, a women led NGO, Women For Women International (WFWI) has organised a One Day meeting with Bauchi Legislators aimed at reviewing the proposed bill for its accelerated passage.
The meeting, which was held in Jos, was attended by the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly Right Honourable Abubakar Y. Suleiman and over 30 members of the house. Also in attendance was the Bauchi State Commissioner of Health Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam.
In a keynote address during the engagement, Bukola Oyinshi, Country Director of Women for Women International, highlighted the significance of the review meeting, which was aimed at addressing the pressing issue that affects millions of women and girls across Nigeria.
The concern, according to the Country Director of WfWI are centered around the accessibility, affordability, and availability of menstrual hygiene products pointing out that, “menstrual health is not just a matter of dignity; but also a critical component of health, education, and economic empowerment”.
Oyinshi said the proposed Pad Bank Law represents a bold step toward achieving menstrual equity, stressing that, “by institutionalizing the establishment of pad banks and removing fiscal barriers like taxes on menstrual products, the proposed legislation will significantly improve the lives of women and girls, particularly in underprivileged communities”.
She said that with commitment and dedication demonstrated by their implementing partners in Bauchi State: Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation and Child is Gold Foundation, “we aim to align our collective expertise and perspectives to craft a law that is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.”
While acknowledging the effort of WfWI intervention through to their implementing partners in Bauchi State, the Speaker Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman reiterated the Assembly’s support, stating that despite the absence of female lawmakers, the Assembly remains committed to advancing the rights of women and girls. He urged both ASHH and Child is Gold Foundations to incorporate the Assembly’s observations into the bill, pledging to expedite its passage.
“If the necessary adjustments are implemented promptly, the law can be passed within two weeks,” he assured.
In a goodwill message, Bauchi State Commissioner of Health Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam commended the initiative, praising the efforts and tenacity of both ASHH and Child is Gold Foundations in championing menstrual hygiene promotions through the “Untax My Menstrual Pad” movement. He assured participants of the meeting of the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Director of Child is Gold Foundation emphasized that lack of access to sanitary pads poses a significant barrier to education for many girls in Bauchi State.
While acknowledging the tremendous support they are getting from the Bauchi State Legislators in her closing remarks, the Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, Ambassador Comfort Attah expressed their gratitude to the participants, particularly the Speaker and Assembly members, for their insightful contributions. She described the policy as a transformative initiative 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.
As contained in a press statement issued by ASHH Foundation and made available to newsmen in Bauchi, the proposed bill, which has already passed its first and second readings in the 10th Assembly of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, seeks to establish sanitary pad banks in all government schools in Bauchi State. The initiative , being funded by Women for Women International is aim at addressing the barriers faced by girls during menstruation, which often leads to absenteeism from school.
The statement said that the review engagement with the legislators also marked a significant milestone for the Untax My Menstrual Pad movement in Bauchi State, a North-East initiative focused on removing fiscal barriers to menstrual hygiene products, which has steadily gained momentum, with its progress now culminating in legislative action.
