By Cynthia Batuta
On March 10, 2026, The Kids Voice Initiative, in partnership with Hope Raisers Global Foundation, implemented the Pad A Girl Project at Government Secondary School, Jabi, Abuja, in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026.
This initiative was driven by a simple but urgent reality: too many young girls are still held back—not by lack of potential, but by preventable barriers like period poverty, limited access to accurate reproductive health information, and financial constraints that threaten their education.
We have seen how something as natural as menstruation can become a source of shame, absenteeism, and lost confidence. We have also encountered students on the brink of dropping out—not because they lack ambition, but because they lack support.
This project was our response.
Through targeted sessions on reproductive health and rights, menstrual hygiene, career mentorship, soft skills development, self-esteem building, and managing peer influence, we created a safe and engaging space for over 200 female students to learn, ask questions, and be heard. The conversations were honest, interactive, and empowering—giving these young girls the confidence to express themselves while respecting the voices of others.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was the distribution of free menstrual products to the students—addressing, in a tangible way, the challenge of period poverty and ensuring that no girl has to miss school because of her cycle. Beyond this, our commitment to equitable education led us to take a step further.
In collaboration with the school management, we identified two indigent students (a male and female) in critical need of support. One, an SS3 student, had recently lost his father and was at risk of being excluded from his ongoing mock examinations due to unpaid fees.
The second, an SS2 female student, is an orphan struggling to remain in school.
We intervened by covering their school fees and other dues —ensuring that their education is not interrupted by circumstances beyond their control.
At its core, this project reflects our belief that every child deserves access to quality education, a safe learning environment, and the support needed to thrive. Our work continues to sit at the intersection of gender equity, reproductive health, capacity building and inclusive access to education for young Nigerian girls and underserved children.
This project was made possible through the dedication, support and leadership of:
- Mrs. Adanne Blessing Okechukwu (Executive Director/Founder, The Kids Voice Initiative)
- Amb Mrs. Angonimi David-Imeh (Executive Director/Founder, Hope Raisers Global Foundation)
- Enitan Growthhub Foundation
- Grace Udie (Founder – Grace’s Nuggets of Motivation).
We are also deeply grateful to our speakers and volunteers:
- Mrs. Joy Oladimeji-Salami (PhD)
- Winnifred Chigozie
- Grace Udie
4.Edet Nsika - Adunoye Moses
Their personal stories, insights, and mentorship left a lasting impact on the students.
We remain committed to breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and creating opportunities—one community, one child, one girl at a time.
Because no child’s future should be defined by poverty, silence, or lack of access.