Initiative partners with Sisters of Jannah and Sana Pads, targets period poverty as bank plans expansion to other states

Baobab Microfinance Bank has completed the first phase of its Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Project in Ilorin, Kwara State, distributing 500 reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls across two schools on Tuesday. The intervention, carried out in partnership with local NGO Sisters of Jannah (SOJ) and Kano-based manufacturer Sana Pads, aims to address the pressing issue of period poverty which forces many girls to miss classes or drop out entirely.

The bank’s intervention was not a one-off donation but a carefully designed project targeting schools identified through SOJ’s grassroots network within Ilorin. The reusable pads supplied by Sana Pads are intended to provide longer-term relief compared to disposable alternatives, reducing costs for families already struggling with basic needs. The selection of beneficiaries was based on community insight, ensuring support reached girls most at risk of educational disruption due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.

Period poverty remains a widespread problem in Nigeria, especially among adolescent girls from low-income backgrounds who often cannot afford sanitary products. This leads to frequent absenteeism and loss of learning opportunities, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities. By tackling this challenge head-on, Baobab Microfinance Bank is signalling its intention to use its national presence—it operates 38 branches across 16 states—to scale the initiative beyond Kwara State.

Mistura Afolabi, who represented Sisters of Jannah during the distribution exercise, said: “Our work within this community has shown us the daily realities many girls face due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. We are proud to have partnered with Baobab Microfinance Bank on this important intervention. Through this collaboration, we ensured that support reached the girls who needed it most. This is how meaningful and lasting change begins.”

Joy Micheal-Oti, Chief Business Development Officer at Baobab Microfinance Bank Nigeria, noted: “At Baobab Microfinance Bank, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn without interruption. Menstrual health is not a privilege; it is a basic right. This intervention in Ilorin marks the beginning of a broader commitment to addressing period poverty across Nigeria. We are determined to scale this initiative to multiple states and ensure that no girl’s education is disrupted because of a lack of access to menstrual products.”

Barisi Samuels, Social Performance Manager at Baobab Microfinance Bank Nigeria, added: “Executing this project reinforced why this work matters so deeply. Beyond the distribution of sanitary pads, we delivered something even more important: dignity, confidence, and reassurance to these girls that they are seen, valued, and supported. I am proud of what we achieved alongside Sisters of Jannah and Sana Pads and enthusiastic about the future of this initiative.”

While details for Phase Two—including additional beneficiary schools and target states—are yet to be announced by Baobab Microfinance Bank management, stakeholders say groundwork has been laid for broader reach. The bank’s involvement signals growing private sector interest in tackling issues previously left solely to NGOs or government agencies.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/baobab-microfinance-bank-leads-menstrual-hygiene-intervention-in-ilorin-schools-2026062609361002645