The fight against period poverty in Cross River State gained momentum as PadBank, a humanitarian initiative, extended its monthly mobile outreach to the Ekot Etonko community in Calabar South Local Government Area. The organization distributed free sanitary pads and conducted vital educational sessions on proper menstrual health management for women and schoolgirls in the community.
The outreach, held on Tuesday, saw the organization’s leadership underscore the importance of menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right.
Speaking at the event, Archibong Bassey, the Coordinator of PadBank, reaffirmed the group’s dedication to tackling period poverty through sustained advocacy, education, and strategic community partnerships.
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“When a girl misses school every month because she lacks sanitary pads, it’s not just her future that’s at risk — it’s the future of the community,” Bassey stated. She emphasized that the initiative is about more than just a handout. “Menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege. We are not just sharing pads; we are equipping these young girls and women with practical knowledge to manage their health and dignity.”
Bassey acknowledged that PadBank’s operations are primarily self-funded, sustained through the unwavering dedication of volunteers and the goodwill of private donors.
Victoria Omini, the Face of PadBank, described the initiative as being fundamentally inspired by compassion and a strong desire to restore dignity and confidence to young girls, especially those in underserved communities.
“Menstruation is not a choice, and no girl should feel ashamed or unworthy because of it,” Omini asserted. “At PadBank, our goal is to ensure that every girl, regardless of her background, can stay in school and live confidently during her period. This is not just charity—it’s empowerment.”
The Ekot Etonko outreach is part of PadBank’s larger Mobile Outreach 3.0 campaign, which aims to reach 12 communities across the state within a year to provide sanitary pads and essential menstrual education.
The Deputy Community Leader of the Ekot Etonko Community Development Committee, Effiok Okon, expressed deep gratitude for the support. He described the gesture as “a blessing to mothers and daughters alike.”
“Many families here struggle to meet basic needs, let alone afford sanitary pads,” Okon noted. “We are deeply grateful to PadBank for bringing this initiative to our community.”
The event concluded with interactive sessions covering menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the distribution of free sanitary pads. PadBank has already reached several communities across Cross River State under its Mobile Outreach Project and plans to expand its activities to other parts of the state in the coming months.
