The deputy community leader of Ekot Etonko in Calabar South LGA of Cross River State, Mr. Effiok Okon, has appealed to the authorities to regularly intervene with free donations of sanitary pads for their young women, especially girl students.

He spoke when a non-governmental organisation, PadBank, distributed free sanitary pads to women and schoolgirls in Ekot Etonko community as part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and end period poverty.

He commended the organisation for its gesture, describing it as “a blessing to mothers and daughters alike.”

The community leader appealed for more such interventions in the area, as their girl children often stay off schools during their periods.

The free distribution of sanitary pads held yesterday, forming part of PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0 initiative, which aims to reach 12 communities across the state before the end of the year.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of PadBank, Madam Archibong Bassey, said the programme seeks to restore dignity and improve school attendance among girls who often miss classes due to lack of sanitary materials.

“When a girl misses school every month because she lacks sanitary pads, it’s not just her future that’s affected, it’s the future of the community,” Bassey said. “Menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege.”

She noted that their operations are sustained by volunteers and private donors committed to supporting women’s health and empowerment.

Also speaking, the Face of PadBank, Victoria Omini, said the outreach was driven by compassion and a desire to help young girls live confidently during their periods.

“No girl should feel ashamed or drop out of school because of menstruation,” she said. “What we do is not just charity. it’s empowerment.”

The event featured interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health, followed by the distribution of free sanitary pads to women and schoolgirls.