By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The Anambra State chapter of the City Boy Movement, a political support group aligned with President Bola Tinubu, has distributed over 3,000 packs of sanitary pads to female students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka. This outreach initiative aims to improve menstrual health accessibility and promote reproductive hygiene on campus.
The outreach, held at the university in Awka, the Anambra State capital, combined menstrual health awareness with advocacy for increased youth participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking during the event, the State Women Leader of the City Boy Movement, Adaora Ifeatu Soludo, said the initiative was aimed at addressing challenges faced by young women during menstruation, including limited access to sanitary products, inadequate information and social stigma.
According to her, menstruation is a natural biological process that should not be associated with shame or discrimination.
“Many young girls still face difficulties during their menstrual cycle because they lack access to sanitary products, proper information and the support they need. No girl should have to choose between her education and her menstrual health,” she said.
Soludo, who is also the daughter of Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, described the City Boy Movement as a platform that promotes youth mobilisation, healthy living, civic engagement and grassroots participation in national development.
She noted that the sanitary pad distribution forms part of a broader initiative to improve the welfare and dignity of young women while strengthening community outreach efforts across the state.
Beyond menstrual health advocacy, Soludo urged students aged 18 and above to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process.
“Young people, especially young women, have a major role to play in shaping the future of our society. Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power. Be informed, be responsible and be involved,” she said.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Tertiary Institutions for the Renewed Hope Initiative, Dr Ikenna Uba, described menstruation as a symbol of growth and womanhood and called on men to support women and girls during their menstrual periods.
Similarly, the Deputy Coordinator of the City Boy Movement in Anambra State, Dr Onyeka Ebelebe, urged men and boys to help eliminate stigma surrounding menstruation and contribute to creating a more supportive environment for women and girls.
A medical practitioner, Dr Chikosoro Ofobuike, delivered a lecture on menstrual hygiene management, stressing the importance of regular changing of sanitary pads, personal cleanliness and proper disposal of used sanitary materials.
She noted that good menstrual hygiene practices help prevent infections, reduce discomfort and enable girls to participate fully in educational and social activities.
Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, particularly in the face of rising living costs, and appealed for measures to make sanitary products more affordable for young women.
The event attracted thousands of female students, members of the City Boy Movement and university officials, highlighting growing efforts to promote menstrual health awareness and improve access to menstrual hygiene products among young women in Nigeria.