Special Report: CAMAC Leads Menstrual Hygiene, SGBV Education, Distribute Pads to 150 Girls in Kaduna

By Onyenero Mercy, Kaduna

In an inspiring move to safeguard the health, dignity, and rights of adolescent girls, the Centre for Media Advocacy for Mother and Child (CAMAC) recently conducted a comprehensive sensitization campaign on Menstrual Hygiene and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across two schools in Chikun Local Government Area: LGEA Basic Secondary School, Kudansa, Maraban Rido, and UBE Primary School, Kamazo.

The outreach, held in commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day, provided a safe and engaging platform for girls to learn about menstruation, personal hygiene, puberty, self-care, and gender-based violence. 

The event featured the free distribution of sanitary pads to support 150 girls from low-income backgrounds.

A Holistic Sensitization Approach

Mrs. Christie Saidu, CAMAC’s Program Officer, led the sessions, covering key topics such as, Understanding Menstruation and Puberty: What to expect during puberty, body changes, and how hormones affect emotional and physical wellbeing.

Personal Hygiene Practices: Regular bathing, changing underwear twice daily, washing and sun-drying underwear, and the proper use of deodorant.

Menstrual Care and Pad Usage: When and how to use pads, importance of cleanliness during menstruation, and carrying emergency supplies.

Safe Disposal of Sanitary Pads: Wrapping pads before disposal, avoiding flushing, and options like burning or burying in appropriate areas.

SGBV Awareness and Prevention: Identifying inappropriate behavior, reporting sexual harassment, and understanding that abuse is never the child’s fault.

She encouraged the girls to ask questions, share their experiences, and support one another, stressing the importance of confidence, communication, and standing up for one’s rights.

Student Testimonials: Voices of Gratitude and Growth

The impact of CAMAC’s intervention was clear through the voices of the girls who participated. They expressed newfound knowledge, confidence, and appreciation for being seen and supported.

UBE Primary School, Kamazo

Precious Zakaria, 12 years old, JSS 3:

“I want to thank CAMAC for helping us today with the pads and everything. I learned that it’s very important to keep yourself clean and maintain personal hygiene, especially during your menstrual cycle. It’s not good to be dirty, being neat is always the best.”

Desire Michael, 12 years old, JSS 3:

“Thank you, CAMAC, for coming around. I learned about menstrual hygiene, how to keep myself neat during my period, and how to use pads properly. I also learned about gender and the differences between male and female.”

Jennifer Francis, 14 years old, JSS 3:

“Thank you, CAMAC, for coming to our school. I learned about sexual harassment and personal hygiene. They taught us how to take care of ourselves during our periods and dispose of used pads properly. I learned things I didn’t know before.”

Michelle Simon, 14 years old, JSS 3:

“Wow, CAMAC, you are the best! I learned so much about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and menstrual care. Thank you for teaching me how to care for myself and dispose of pads correctly. We really appreciate your visit.”

LGEA Basic Secondary School, Kudansa, Maraban Rido

Saviour Danladi, 15 years old, Basic 2:

“I learned from CAMAC that we should always take care of ourselves. We should always stay clean and neat. It’s not good to neglect our bodies. CAMAC also gave us sanitary pads. Thank you, CAMAC, for the support!”

Mary Magdalena Ayuba, 15 years old, Basic Class:

“I learned from CAMAC how to take care of myself during menstruation. I now know how to properly use a pad and how to stay healthy. Thank you, CAMAC, for the pads and the teaching.”

Grace Odi, 15 years old, Basic 8:

“From the program CAMAC brought to us, I learned how to use sanitary pads and how to maintain myself during my period. Thank you, CAMAC.”

Destiny Sunday, Basic 8:

“I thank CAMAC for the program they brought to our school. From the teaching, I learned that we should take care of ourselves, stay clean, and prevent diseases. Thank you, CAMAC, for giving me a pad.”

Educators Commend CAMAC’s Effort and Call for More

The response from school administrators underscored the importance of regular menstrual health and gender sensitization programs.

Mrs. Jemima Shukoyan Yusuf, Head of Department, Upper Basic, UBE Primary School, Kamazo:

“I sincerely appreciate the sponsors, partners, and the CAMAC team for organizing this sensitization program. It’s very impactful for our girls and young women. Sensitization like this can’t be overemphasized. The girls were excited, they learned a lot, and we are hopeful to see more of such initiatives in the future.”

Mrs. Regina Audu, Head Teacher, LGEA Basic Secondary School, Kudansa:

“It’s been a while since we had this kind of event in the school. The sensitization is timely because a lot is happening in these times, especially concerning the girl child. Most of these girls are underprivileged, and I thank CAMAC for identifying with our school and supporting us with free sanitary pads.”

“I also appeal to the government to come to our rescue. Last year, the school was affected by a rainstorm as you can see, the roofs are off. The environment is not conducive for learning. We lack enough chairs and desks. We need new classrooms and renovations. With these improvements, our pupils will have a more conducive learning environment.”

CAMAC’s Commitment to Girl-Child Advocacy

Speaking on behalf of CAMAC’s Executive Director, Alex Uangbaoje, Mrs. Saidu, noted “This program is not just about giving out pads. It is about educating girls on how to manage their periods with dignity and understand their rights. 

“Many of them are vulnerable, some even work as house helps. That puts them at risk of exploitation. By giving them this knowledge, we empower them to protect themselves.”

She added that follow-up visits and mentorship programs would ensure that the girls continue to benefit from consistent guidance and support.

Menstrual Hygiene is a Right, Not a Privilege

CAMAC’s outreach in Chikun LGA is a reminder that menstrual hygiene is a human right, not a luxury. 

By giving girls access to accurate information and basic menstrual products, CAMAC has helped restore dignity, boost confidence, and create a safer environment for learning and growth.

As communities rally behind this mission and educators call for more engagement, CAMAC’s work stands as a model of how local advocacy, when properly targeted, can transform lives, one pad, one lesson, and one empowered girl at a time.