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Restoring Dignity Through Sanitary Towel Distribution in Enugu, Nigeria

At Be A Sister Foundation, we believe that menstrual health is not a privilegem it is a basic human right. Yet for many young girls and women in underserved communities, access to sanitary products remains a daily struggle that affects their health, confidence, education, and dignity.

Our sanitary towel distribution outreach in Enugu, Nigeria was born from a simple but urgent need: ensuring that no girl misses opportunities, education, or confidence because she cannot afford menstrual hygiene products.

More Than Just Hygiene Products

For many people, sanitary towels are an everyday item. But during our community engagements and conversations with young girls in Enugu, we encountered painful realities. Some girls shared stories of missing school during their menstrual cycle, while others spoke about using unsafe alternatives due to financial hardship.

These experiences reminded us that period poverty is real, and its effects go far beyond physical discomfort. It impacts self-esteem, participation in school activities, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

As healthcare professionals and advocates for women’s health, we knew we had to act.

A Day Filled With Compassion and Connection

During the outreach, we distributed sanitary towels to girls and young women within the community while also creating a safe and open environment for honest conversations about menstrual health.

What stood out most was not only the gratitude from the recipients, but also the relief many felt simply being seen, heard, and supported without shame or judgment.

For Dr. Ikunna Onwuanibe, whose work has focused heavily on women’s health and public health advocacy, the outreach reinforced the importance of health equity at the community level.

“Health and dignity should never depend on financial circumstances. Every girl deserves the confidence to manage her menstrual health safely and without shame.”

Karen Njuguna, drawing from her years of experience supporting women and families as a midwife, emphasised the emotional impact of the initiative.

“Sometimes the smallest acts create the greatest impact. Providing sanitary towels may seem simple, but for many girls it restores confidence, dignity, and the ability to participate fully in everyday life.”

Breaking the Silence Around Menstrual Health

One of the most important aspects of the outreach was education. Menstruation is still surrounded by silence and stigma in many communities, leaving young girls misinformed or afraid to ask questions.

Through open discussions, we encouraged girls to understand their bodies, prioritise hygiene, and speak confidently about their health without embarrassment. We also highlighted the importance of supporting one another and creating communities where girls feel safe and empowered.

Education remains one of the strongest tools for breaking cycles of shame and misinformation.

Why This Work Matters

At Be A Sister Foundation, we understand that empowering young people requires addressing both visible and invisible barriers. Something as basic as access to sanitary products can influence school attendance, confidence, participation, and future opportunities.

This outreach reminded us that impact is not always measured by grand gestures. Sometimes impact looks like:

  • A girl returning to school confidently
  • A young woman feeling seen and supported
  • Honest conversations replacing shame
  • Communities learning to prioritise women’s health
  • Young girls realising they are not alone

Continuing the Mission

Our work in Enugu strengthened our commitment to supporting women and girls through practical, compassionate, and sustainable initiatives. We remain dedicated to:

  • Menstrual health education
  • Sanitary towel distribution programmes
  • Youth mentorship
  • Health education sessions
  • Community outreach initiatives
  • Empowering girls through knowledge and support

We believe every girl deserves the dignity to thrive without limitations placed on her because of her menstrual cycle.

Because when we support girls, we strengthen families, uplift communities, and create a healthier future for everyone.

Karen Njuguna Midwife | Humanitarian

With over 15 years of experience as a midwife, Karen has dedicated her career to supporting women, families, and communities through some of life’s most transformative moments. Her passion for holistic wellbeing led her to pursue a Master’s in Public Health, equipping her with the tools to address health and the social determinants of health on a broader scale.

Beyond healthcare, Karen is deeply committed to community leadership. She has organised and led cultural celebrations, youth programmes, and community events designed to empower, educate, and bring people together. Whether through mentoring young people, creating safe spaces for women, or facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, her work is rooted in the belief that strong, supportive communities change lives. Karen also volunteers with UK-Med, contributing her clinical expertise to humanitarian responses and global health initiatives that support communities in crisis.

As a co-founder of the Be a Sister Foundation, Karen brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, public health insight, and community passion into a platform dedicated to empowering women and youth. Karen and her team continually aim to expand their impact, supporting young people everywhere to rise with confidence, connection, and purpose.

Ikunna Onwuanibe General Practitioner | Humanitarian | Advocate for Women’s and Youth Health

Dr Ikunna is an experienced General Practitioner based in the UK, with three decades of clinical practice. She holds additional qualifications in occupational health and sexual health, with a strong professional focus on women’s health and the management of long-term conditions. A proud graduate of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, where she earned a master’s degree in public health, further deepening her commitment to health equity and community wellbeing. Her career spans both local and global contexts, including volunteer medical missions in the UK, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Kenya, where she has provided essential care in underserved communities. As a member of the UK Emergency Medical Team, Dr Ikunna contributes to international humanitarian responses, offering medical support in crisis-affected areas. Dr. Ikunna’s influence extends far beyond clinical care. As an educator and public speaker, she has organised and delivered webinars on menopause, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, and healthy aging, reaching thousands of participants across diverse backgrounds. She drives health equity and community wellness through measurable results and sustainable change. Through her work with the Be a Sister Foundation, she is committed to inspiring individuals to take ownership of their health and, to make meaningful contributions to society. Through the Be a Sister Foundation, Dr. Ikunna is deeply committed to inspiring individuals to take ownership of their health and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Her approach blends clinical expertise with strategic advocacy, empowering people to lead healthier, more informed lives. Her vision for global health is clear and urgent as Dr. Ikunna passionately states: “Empowering individuals, especially young people, to take charge of their health is the catalyst for transforming communities. Together, we can replace despair with hope and build a world where health and dignity are not privileges, but rights for all.”