The Deputy Community Leader of Ekot Etonko in Calabar South Local Government Area, Mr. Effiok Okon, has appealed to government authorities and well-meaning organisations to continue supporting young women in his community with free sanitary pads. He made the appeal during a PadBank outreach programme, where the NGO distributed free sanitary pads to women and schoolgirls to promote menstrual hygiene and combat period poverty.

Okon praised PadBank for its humanitarian effort, describing it as “a blessing to mothers and daughters alike.” He stressed that many girls in the community miss school during their menstrual periods due to lack of sanitary products and urged for more frequent interventions to keep girls in school.

The distribution exercise was part of PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0 Initiative, which aims to reach 12 communities across Cross River State before the end of the year. The Coordinator of PadBank, Madam Archibong Bassey, explained that the programme’s goal is to restore dignity and ensure equal education opportunities for girls. She stated, “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.”

The Face of PadBank, Victoria Omini, added that the outreach is motivated by compassion and a drive to empower young girls to live confidently during their periods. She emphasized that providing sanitary pads is not just charity but an act of empowerment that helps girls maintain their confidence and education.

The event also featured interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health, followed by the distribution of free sanitary pads to dozens of women and girls in attendance. PadBank reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting women’s health through volunteerism and private donations.