A trending conversation about the rising price of sanitary products started on twitter some 8 months ago and this prompted marketing specialist, Oghenakaro Ibada Omu. to undertake some research. In the course of conducting a research on sanitary pads and women globally and Africa, her research led to founding the Sanitary Aid for Nigerian Girls Initiative along with her friends and they have reached about 5,000 women giving them access to sanitary pads.
We think Oghenekaro is awesome and so we reached out to her for a short piece on our growing column, interview below:
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Oghenekaro Ibada Omu. I am a marketing specialist. I founded the Sanitary Aid for Nigerian Girls Initiative. I am very passionate about projects that improve the lives of children and women in general.
What inspired Sanitary Aids Initiative?
A trending conversation about the rising price of sanitary products started on twitter and this prompted me to undertake some research. In the course of conducting a research, I discovered that the issue was a global challenge; hence thousands of girls miss school for almost a week every month due to lack of sanitary hygiene products. Therefore , it can be said that the rising prices of sanitary products in Nigeria inspired the Sanitary Aid campaign.
“I discovered that the issue was a global challenge; thousands of girls miss school for almost a week every month due to lack of sanitary hygiene products”
This further led to putting together a team of amazing women: Gabriella Scott, Cynthia Ndeche, Tolani Thomas, Alexa Chukwumah, Ifeyinwa Mbanugo and Olamide Odukoya who along with hundred of volunteers have helped us reach about 5,000 women till date.
What criteria does Sanitary Aids Initiative adopt in the selection of pad recipients
Currently, we are focused on girls from public schools especially in low-income areas and girls & women in IDP camps across the country. v
How do you fund the project?
We are currently crowd funded; we are lucky to have quite a number of people who voluntarily contribute pads or funds on a monthly basis towards our project.
Do you have brands partnering with you on the project?
At this time, we have a partnership with Microsoft. However, we look forward to opportunities to partner with more brands.
What is your view on Kenya government recent plan to give all school girls free sanitary pads?
It’s quite amazing and laudable. I believe it is something that we should replicate in Nigeria. In the nearest future, we hope to start campaigns which will draw the attention of the Nigerian government to the plight of girls and women all over the country as regards sanitary education and reproductive health in Nigeria.
What are the long-term plans for Sanitary Aid Initiative ?
We hope to adopt reusable pad options and also to partner with the ministry of health & education so as to ensure that sanitary health education is not forgotten or neglected.
What other humanitarian activity are you involved in?
I am involved with Foundation for the eradication of child labour, it is a new NGO that aims to take kids off the street and provide them a quality education. I also support Stand to End Rape & Mentally Aware NG. Generally, I really enjoy devoting my time and resources to support other people who may need it.
How can interested individuals contribute towards Sanitary Aids Initiative?
All our details are on the website snaitaryaidng.com or you can send an email to help@sanitaryaidng.com