Coordinator of PadBank, Archibong Bassey, during the outreach programme on Tuesday.
By Asuquo Cletus
PadBank, a humanitarian initiative committed to ending period poverty and promoting menstrual hygiene, has extended its monthly mobile outreach to Ekot Etonko community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, distributing sanitary pads and educating women and schoolgirls on proper menstrual health management.
Speaking during the outreach on Tuesday, the Coordinator of PadBank, Archibong Bassey, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to tackling period poverty through sustained advocacy, education, and community partnerships.
“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 said.
“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 noted that PadBank’s operations are largely self-funded but sustained through the dedication of volunteers and the goodwill of private donors.
Also speaking, the Face of PadBank, Victoria Omini, said the initiative is inspired by compassion and a strong desire to restore dignity and confidence to young girls, particularly in underserved communities.
Some beneficiaries at the outreach.
“Menstruation is not a choice, and no girl should feel ashamed or unworthy because of it,” Omini said. “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.”
She explained that the outreach is part of PadBank’s Mobile Outreach 3.0, which aims to reach 12 communities across the state within a year, distributing sanitary pads and promoting menstrual education.
The Deputy Community Leader of the Ekot Etonko Community Development Committee, Effiok Okon, commended the organisation for the gesture, describing it as “a blessing to mothers and daughters alike.”
“Many families here struggle to meet basic needs, let alone afford sanitary pads,” Okon said. “We are deeply grateful to PadBank for bringing this initiative to our community.”
The outreach featured interactive sessions on menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the distribution of free sanitary pads to students and women.
It was gathered that PadBank has so far reached several communities across Cross River State under its Mobile Outreach Project, with plans to expand its activities to other parts of the state in the coming months.
