Breaking Barriers: How the Pad A Girl Initiative is Transforming Lives

At the Damilare Aluko Foundation, we believe that access to menstrual hygiene products is not a privilege, it’s a right. Too many young girls miss school every month simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. This reality affects not only their education but also their confidence and overall well-being. That is why we partnered with Mimi’s Charity Home on the Pad A Girl Initiative, an impactful program dedicated to providing menstrual hygiene products and education to girls in need.

Last Month, we hosted the third event of our Pad A Girl 2025 series, continuing our commitment to supporting young girls through menstrual health education and access to sanitary pads. The energy in the room was incredible, seeing the excitement and gratitude on the faces of these girls, aged 11 to 16, reinforced the importance of this initiative. Since the beginning of the year, we have reached over 50 girls, ensuring they have the resources and knowledge to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity. These sessions also help break the stigma surrounding menstruation, creating a safe space where young girls can have open discussions and receive the support they need.

The progress we’ve seen has been inspiring. Girls who previously had to stay home during their periods are now able to attend school regularly, engage in class activities, and focus on their education without fear or embarrassment. This simple yet crucial support is changing lives in ways that go beyond just hygiene, it is restoring dignity and opening doors to opportunities.

However, there is still much work to be done. While we celebrate the impact so far, we recognize that many more girls still face period poverty. Our commitment remains strong, to continue supporting Mimi’s Charity Home in expanding this initiative, reaching more schools, and ensuring that no girl is left behind due to something as natural as menstruation. Beyond providing sanitary products, we want to spark meaningful conversations and advocate for policies that promote menstrual equity.

As we move forward, we invite individuals, organisations, and partners to join us in this mission. Together, we can break barriers, empower young girls, and create a world where periods are never a reason for anyone to miss out on their education.

The Pad A Girl Initiative is more than just a program, it’s a movement, and we are proud to be a part of it.