Baobab Microfinance Bank initiates sanitation initiative in Kwara State

Baobab Microfinance Bank has successfully completed the first phase of its Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Project in Ilorin, Kwara State, a significant milestone in its community-driven social impact efforts.

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This achievement was made possible through a collaborative effort with Sisters of Jannah, a grassroots organisation with strong local ties, resulting in the distribution of 500 reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls at a carefully selected beneficiary school.

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The project addresses a critical need, as menstrual health is one of the most underserved areas among adolescent girls in Nigeria, with period poverty being a major contributor to school absenteeism and low academic confidence.

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By providing reusable pads from Sana Pads, a female-owned enterprise in Kano, the initiative promotes both sustainability and dignity for young girls, tackling the immediate needs of those affected by period poverty.

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According to Joy Micheal-Oti, Baobab Microfinance Bank's Chief Business Development Officer, the initiative is part of a broader national vision, emphasizing that every girl deserves uninterrupted access to education and that menstrual health is a fundamental right.

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Micheal-Oti stated, "At Baobab Microfinance Bank, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn without interruption, and we are committed to addressing period poverty across Nigeria, with plans to scale this initiative to multiple states."

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Barisi Samuels, the bank's Social Performance Manager, reflected on the project's significance, noting that it not only distributed sanitary pads but also provided dignity, confidence, and reassurance to the girls, demonstrating the bank's commitment to their well-being.

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Samuels expressed pride in the partnership with Sisters of Jannah and Sana Pads, stating, "I am proud of what we achieved alongside these organisations and enthusiastic about the future of this initiative."

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The partnership with Sisters of Jannah was instrumental in identifying schools with the greatest need, ensuring that support reached the girls who needed it most, and Mistura Afolabi of Sisters of Jannah praised the collaboration, saying it marked the beginning of meaningful and lasting change.

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Afolabi noted that the organisation's work in the community has highlighted the daily challenges faced by girls due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, and the partnership with Baobab Microfinance Bank has helped address this issue.

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The initiative falls under Baobab Microfinance Bank's broader Corporate Social Responsibility framework, which focuses on inclusive development for underserved populations, and with 38 branches across 16 states, the bank is well-positioned to expand the project nationwide.

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Expansion plans and additional beneficiary schools will be announced in due course, as the bank continues to work towards addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual health across Nigeria.