IHRGA empowers Benue IDP women with reusable pad production, dignity kits

By Johnson Arua

In a bold move to restore dignity, confidence and economic independence among displaced women and girls, the Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness (IHRGA) has concluded a comprehensive dignity kit and reusable sanitary pad distribution programme at the Daudu II Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The intervention marked the final phase of a six-month project tagged “Empowering Lives through Effective Menstrual Hygiene Management” (ELEVATE), funded by the non-governmental organisation, GIVING.

The project was designed to address menstrual poverty, harmful cultural taboos and the lack of access to sanitary products confronting women and adolescent girls in Benue IDP camps.

Speaking at the graduation and distribution ceremony, Executive Lead of IHRGA, Nyiyam Pauline Ikyereve, said the initiative was aimed at empowering beneficiaries with practical skills that would guarantee long-term self-reliance rather than temporary relief.

“The project was designed to raise awareness, address menstrual poverty, and shatter the cultural myths and taboos that hold women back,” Ikyereve stated.

“By equipping these women with the agency to produce their own solutions, we are fostering long-term social stability and economic resilience.”

As part of the programme, 70 women and adolescent girls underwent intensive hands-on training in the production of reusable sanitary pads under a “train-the-trainer” model.

The initiative transformed beneficiaries into producers and entrepreneurs capable of meeting local menstrual hygiene needs while generating income.

Many of the participants said the training had already changed their lives economically and socially.

One of the beneficiaries, Mnena Joko, an amputee resident of the camp, described the experience as life-changing.

“This experience has been enriching and transformative. For women with disabilities, affording commercial menstrual products on a monthly basis is an even steeper hill to climb. Now, I can manage my period without the constant fear of not being able to afford basic pads,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Precious Terwase, a teenage mother, expressed gratitude to the donor organisation for giving them hope and dignity.

“In the past, using old pieces of wrappers and rags was our normal. Learning this skill has made me feel empowered and bold. I can now experience my period without the fear of stained clothes or public shame,” she said.

Also speaking, Racheal Unongo, a member of the TAHAV Women Cooperative, said the skills acquired had expanded her entrepreneurial opportunities.

“The acquired skills in reusable pad production complement my existing soap-making knowledge. This has significantly enhanced my entrepreneurial capabilities,” she noted, while commending GIVING for supporting the initiative.

The programme also attracted commendation from government officials and health stakeholders.

Representing the Benue State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, the Unit Head, Reproductive Health Rights, Faith Ibya, described the intervention as innovative and sustainable.

“Equipping beneficiaries to manufacture these pads independently is a sustainable approach to social welfare,” she said, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to supporting grassroots gender-focused initiatives.

To further ensure sustainability and proper hygiene practices, representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Benue State chapter, led by Pharmacist Jacinta Onyeguli and supported by Pharmacist Hawa Nyigba, delivered a health education session on the proper use and maintenance of reusable sanitary pads.

The pharmacists stressed the importance of proper washing, sun-drying and safe storage of the reusable products to maintain hygiene and durability.

The dignity kits distributed to beneficiaries contained locally manufactured reusable sanitary pads, toothbrushes, hair combs, soaps, detergents, needles and threads for tailoring support.

With the intervention, beneficiaries at the Daudu II IDP camp are now equipped not only with menstrual hygiene products but also with practical entrepreneurial skills expected to improve their confidence, livelihoods and overall wellbeing.