The foundation led by its President,
Oluwadamilola Onebamhoin
conducted its annual outreach program aimed at supporting and educating girls in rural communities.
The event, held at Army Day Secondary School in Alamala Barracks, Ogun State focused on addressing key challenges faced by girls, including child marriage and menstrual hygiene management.
Onebamhoin emphasized the societal and cultural barriers that continue to hold girls back, stressing the need to shift mindsets and cultural norms. "Societally, we have cultural norms that set girls behind," she said.
"We need to change the narrative, changing our psychological mindset about the girl child. Every child is important, whether male or female."
The foundation distributed sanitary pads to about 700 students as part of their "Hygienic Menstrual Outreach" campaign, addressing the critical issue of menstrual hygiene, which affects every female child.
Onebamhoin noted that access to proper menstrual products is often limited in rural areas, and many girls resort to using unsafe alternatives, leading to health complications such as infections and infertility.
The head of logistics for the foundation, Dr. Damilola Ibigbami explained the importance of the outreach.
"We are here to talk to them about being a woman and the importance of menstruation," she said.
"Many of these girls don't have access to quality materials for their menstrual cycle, and the financial challenge is a major barrier."
Ibigbami also highlighted the pressing issue of child marriage and the need for education as a solution.
"If a girl child is educated, there's no way she would be forced into early marriage," she said. "The idea that a girl's education ends in the kitchen is a fallacy. Today, we have women breaking barriers and leading as CEOs. Parents need to realize the potential of their daughters and not limit them."
Aishat Olabode, a JSS 3 student of Army Day junior secondary school , commended the foundation for the sensitisation and free menstrual pad, noting that it further increased her knowledge.
"We have been taught about puberty and menstruation in my school but this programme has given me more enlightenment on how to handle pad, duration of usage and good hygiene," she said.
The outreach extended to other areas, including Ijale Papa village, where the foundation continued its efforts to educate women and girls on the proper use of sanitary pads.
