Bauchi State House of Assembly just made history with the passage of a bill to establish sanitary pad banks in schools, correctional facilities, and community centres.
Development Diaries reports that this pioneering legislation, introduced by the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Lawal Dauda, positions Bauchi as the first state in Nigeria to formally address menstrual hygiene challenges through institutional support.
However, while this legislative milestone is commendable, the fight for menstrual dignity is far from over.
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), at least one in ten African girls miss school during their menstrual cycle due to lack of access to sanitary products.
In Nigeria, the situation is even more dire, with 37 percent of schoolgirls experiencing significant disruptions in their education due to inadequate menstrual hygiene management.
The implications of this are far-reaching: increased dropout rates, heightened risks of infections, and deepened gender inequality.
Bauchi’s proactive stance sets a vital precedent, but to ensure this initiative translates into tangible impact, critical steps must follow.
While the House of Assembly has done its part, the bill must receive the governor’s signature to become law, and the success of sanitary pad banks depends on proper funding.
A clear roadmap detailing distribution strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and community engagement is crucial; and the government needs to involve civil society organisations, school administrators, and healthcare professionals to ensure efficient and corruption-free execution.
Beyond providing free sanitary products, menstrual health education is essential. Schools should incorporate comprehensive menstrual health management into their curriculum, empowering young girls with the knowledge to manage their periods safely and confidently.
Development Diaries calls on Governor Bala Mohammed to expedite this process by first signing the bill into law, ensuring that the policy does not stall.
We also urge the state government to allocate a sustainable budget within the 2025 fiscal plan, ensuring consistent supply and accessibility of menstrual products for the intended beneficiaries.
Photo source: Punch
