The deputy community leader of Ekot Etonko in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Mr. Effiok Okon, has called on the government and well-meaning individuals to sustain the free distribution of sanitary pads to young women, especially schoolgirls.

Okon made the appeal during a recent outreach by PadBank, a non-governmental organization, which distributed free sanitary pads to women and students in the community to promote menstrual hygiene and combat period poverty.

He praised the initiative, describing it as “a blessing to mothers and daughters alike,” and urged for more such interventions, noting that many girls in the area often miss school during their menstrual periods due to lack of access to sanitary materials.

The event formed part of PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0 project, which aims to reach 12 communities across the state before the end of the year.

Speaking during the outreach, the Coordinator of PadBank, Madam Archibong Bassey, explained that the initiative seeks to restore dignity and improve school attendance among girls.

“When a girl misses school every month because she lacks sanitary pads, it’s not just her education that suffers, but the progress of the entire community,” she said. “Menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege.”

Bassey further noted that the organization’s activities are sustained by volunteers and private donors who are passionate about supporting women’s health and empowerment.

Also addressing participants, the Face of PadBank, Miss Victoria Omini, said the outreach was driven by compassion and the desire to help girls manage menstruation with confidence.

“No girl should be ashamed or forced to drop out of school because of menstruation,” she stated. “Our work goes beyond charity—it’s about empowerment.”

The event featured interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health, followed by the distribution of free sanitary pads to women and schoolgirls in the community.