Stitching a Better Future: Reusable Sanitary Pad Training Transforms Lives at Wavecrest College

…Organizations gift 30 students laptops

Rebecca Ejifoma

Period poverty is real. Period equity should be real, too. This powerful statement from Harvard Health resonates deeply with the mission of the Doctors Health Initiative, in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and the African Menstrual Initiative.

Together, these organisations are taking meaningful steps to address period poverty by empowering young girls through education and practical skills.

Recently, they extended their outreach by training young girls ages 17 to 30 to sew reusable sanitary pads—an initiative designed to help them manage their menstrual health with dignity and pride.

This inspiring message set the tone for a Menstrual Hygiene Workshop held from April 4th to 9th, 2025, at Wavecrest College of Hospitality in Lagos, Nigeria.

The event welcomed both Wavecrest students and a number of external participants, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds where access to disposable sanitary products is a significant challenge.

The workshop’s primary goal was to teach these young women how to make and use reusable sanitary towels, providing them with a sustainable solution for menstrual hygiene management.

“We have empowered these young ladies and given them hope for the future,” says Dr. Nkechi Asogwa, Director of Doctors Health Initiative, in a chat with THISDAY.

“With this knowledge, they can take charge of their own menstrual health and share what they’ve learned with their families and communities.”

To further support the students’ academic journeys, 30 students were awarded laptops. “We are optimistic that these recipients—and all the students—will become the best versions of themselves, excel in their studies, and secure good jobs after graduation,” Asogwa added, expressing confidence in the employability of Wavecrest graduates. “We hope to continue this initiative in the future.”

A fourth year medical student at CUNY School of Medicine, Olutobi Oridota and Ogechukwu Ogbogu, a pre-med and masters students at University College London, taught the students vital topics including menstrual cycle, menses phases, and period tracking. As well, the girls were taught about complications in menses, including Fibroids, Endometriosis, and PCOS.

Ogbogu underscored the importance of menstrual hygiene and taught the students how to use, clean, and dispose of different menstrual products, while also enlightening them about various menstrual products available.

Through interactive activities and in-depth conversation, AMI created a space for the participants to become curious, interrogative, and menstrual advocates.

In their workshops, students also participated in a reusable pad training program, where they learned how to sew reusable pads with locally sourced materials.

With the support of the NGO Fihri, all 30 girls additionally got their own menstrual kits with a two-month supply of menstrual pads. The growth in these students shined at the end of the workshop, where students gave group presentations on several topics including the importance of menstrual hygiene in education, how to identify and treat irregular periods, menstrual myths and misinformation in the local community, and advocating for menstrual health in schools.

Launching their laptop sponsorship program, AMI awarded 30 students with 30 laptops during and after the training.

Through her non-profit organization, AMI, is a Ogbogu, a graduate from Harvard College and master’s student at University College London, acknowledged Dr. Cliff Eke, president of ANPA, for the opportunity to join them on this medical mission and host this program.

For beneficiaries like Anuoluwapo Ogunbola, the workshop was a life-changing experience. She expressed immense joy at gaining new knowledge that would boost her self-confidence and help her avoid reproductive tract infections, leading to better overall health.

Another participant, Favour Rita, echoed these sentiments: “The session was truly inspiring and refreshing,” she said with a smile.

“I now understand how important menstrual hygiene is for a girl’s physical and mental well-being. It will improve our health and our education.”

By addressing period poverty and promoting period equity, these organisations are helping to ensure that every Nigerian girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity, pride, and opportunity.