Lagos Firm Donates Sanitary Pads to Schoolgirls

A firm in Lagos state has donated over 5,00 sanitary pads and educational material to school girls in the state in a fulfillment of it’s corporate social responsibility and commitment to SDG 3.

Clina-Lancet Laboratories Nigeria has donated sanitary pads and educational materials to students at Queen’s College, Lagos, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). SDG 3 aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.”

The company donated over 3,000 sanitary pads to improve the menstrual hygiene of the girls and alleviate the burden of high sanitary pad costs. During the distribution event on Tuesday in Lagos, Dr. Olayemi Dawodu, Managing Director of Clina-Lancet Laboratories Nigeria, emphasized the company’s concern about the lack of access to sanitary pads among girls, which often leads to unhygienic practices and school absenteeism during menstruation.

Dr. Dawodu highlighted the importance of menstrual hygiene and called for collaboration between the private sector and non-governmental organizations to ensure that schoolgirls in Nigeria have access to sanitary pads. She stated, “We believe that by working together with NGOs, civil organizations, and private companies, we can ensure all girls have access to menstrual hygiene and essential products. Proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of infections and ensure girls can participate fully in school and daily activities.”

The National Library of Medicine defines menstrual hygiene as the practice of managing menstruation hygienically and safely, using materials that are culturally and socially acceptable, and having access to facilities and services that allow women and girls to change and dispose of their menstrual materials safely and with dignity. This includes using clean and absorbent materials, changing them regularly, washing hands with soap and water after changing, and having access to private and safe facilities for changing and disposal.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, poor menstrual hygiene can pose physical health risks and is linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections.

The “Pad Up a Girl” campaign, led by Clina-Lancet Laboratories, aims to empower girls with knowledge and resources to manage their periods confidently and with dignity. The program covers various aspects of menstrual hygiene, including proper pad usage, hygiene maintenance, and dispelling stigmas associated with menstruation.

Dr. Amaka Nwigwe, Wellness Occupational Manager for Clina-Lancet Laboratories, gave health talks to the students, underscoring the importance of sanitary hygiene. She stressed that menstrual hygiene is not just about cleanliness but also about ensuring that girls are comfortable and confident discussing menstruation. “It creates an opportunity for discussions in the open. I’m just so glad that we did this today, and I’m sure that the impact we had today will resonate in years to come,” she explained.

Commending the initiative, Mrs. Oyindamola Obabori, Principal of Queen’s College, Lagos, represented by Vice Principal of Student Affairs 1, Mrs. Adebiyi Titilayo, said, “We are grateful to Clina-Lancet Laboratories for bringing this important initiative to our school. Equipping our girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their periods effectively is essential for their well-being and academic success.”

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH