By Asuquo Cletus
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – As part of the effort in celebrating the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Archibong Bassey, has launched a humanitarian initiative known as PADBANK.
The initiative is aimed at tackling period poverty as well as restoring dignity to teenage girls and women in rural communities.
Speaking during a community outreach held on Tuesday at Adiabo Ikot Mbo Otu in Cross River State, Bassey, who is also the coordinator of the project, said the initiative is targeting the distribution of 80,000 sanitary pads across 12 communities within one year.
According to her, the idea for PADBANK was born out of a casual conversation with a friend about the challenges faced by teenage girls from less privileged homes in accessing sanitary towels.
“I was once a teenager, and I know the struggles that come with menstrual hygiene. No girl asked for a menstrual cycle, so none should be humiliated or dehumanised because of it. This initiative is about bridging that gap and ensuring dignity for every girl,” she said.
Bassey noted that the project, which was flagged off on International Humanitarian Day, is currently self-funded, but called on public-spirited individuals, religious organisations, and NGOs to support the cause.
She cited the case of a 24-year-old girl who recently appealed for as little as ₦5,000 to purchase a sanitary towel and painkillers as an example of the urgent need.
“It broke me to see that a young woman had to beg for something as basic as a sanitary towel. That is why we are appealing for partnerships so that PADBANK can always have stock to reach out to girls in need,” she added.
The Public Relations Officer of PADBANK, Ukoroebi Essien, also addressed the gathering, stressing that menstrual health should not be treated as a taboo or luxury.
“What we are doing is not charity; it is a necessity. When girls miss school or lose confidence because they cannot manage their periods, society loses too. PADBANK is committed to changing that narrative in Cross River and beyond,” Essien said.
The community head of health, Chief Ukpabio Okon Abasi, who received the team at his residence after the engagement, commended the initiative for its impact on the lives of vulnerable girls and pledged the community’s support.
He urged them to continue working hard to ensure the safety of girls in the community.
The outreach featured the distribution of free sanitary pads to girls and women in the community, with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to the NUJ chairman and her team for the gesture.
