The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has rolled out its flagship menstrual health programme, tagged “Flow With Confidence,” across seven Nigerian states, targeting 370,000 schoolgirls with a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads.
The programme was officially launched on Thursday by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Maiduguri, Borno State. The First Lady was represented at the event by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Tinubu said the intervention seeks to promote menstrual hygiene, boost self-esteem, and reduce school absenteeism caused by menstrual stigma. She urged young girls not to allow shame or stigma affect their confidence, describing them as the future leaders of Nigeria.
“No girl should miss school or suffer indignity due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products,” she said. “This programme is about restoring dignity, promoting health, and empowering our girls to dream big and lead boldly.”
The initiative is being implemented simultaneously in Borno, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos States, with each state expected to benefit 10,000 schoolgirls, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Senator Tinubu also called on corporate organisations, traditional rulers, religious institutions, and community leaders to support the programme and ensure its transparent implementation.
Speaking at the event, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, commended the federal government’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable populations.
He said the programme aligns with the state government’s efforts to improve education and public health, especially for girls.
Also speaking, the Wife of the Borno State Governor and RHI Coordinator, Dr. Falmata Umara Zulum, lauded the First Lady’s dedication to uplifting disadvantaged groups. She said the programme reflects the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative in addressing key issues affecting women and girls.
In addition to the menstrual hygiene packages, assorted food items were distributed to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities in the state as part of the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, which commenced in March 2024.
The RHI “Flow With Confidence” programme is expected to make a significant impact on girls’ education and well-being, and contribute to the fight against gender-based barriers to development.
