By Lizzy Carr
Bauchi State House of Assembly (BAHA) has passed the first ever bill for the establishment of sanitary pad banks in schools, correctional facilities and community centres across Bauchi State.
Speaker of the House Abubakar Y. Suleiman congratulated partners that include,Women for Women International (WfWI), ASHH Foundation, Child is Gold Foundation and other CSOs for their tenacity, commitment and dedication in advocacies leading to the passage of the bill.
He expressed his optimism on the positive impact the bill will have in the lives of indigent adolescent girls and women that can not afford sanitary pads during their menstrual periods.
Abubakar Suleiman then reiterated the commitment of the house to supporting initiatives that would enhance women’s development in the State.
Also speaking Chairman House Committee on Health Lawal Dauda said Bauchi State is first State in the country to pass such a bill.
Lawal Dauda said that the establishment of the free sanitary pad banks will no doubt address some of the challenges associated with menstrual hygiene management and checkmate absenteeism in schools by indigent adolescent girls, women and female inmates in correctional centers during their menstrual periods.
“This bill, the first of its kind in Nigeria, enjoyed tremendous support by all honourable members. As you can see, we are on recess, but were called back just to pass the bill. That is a clear demonstration of support and commitment by the leadership of the house and the honourable members”.
Executive Director of ASHH Foundation Comfort Attah expressed her gratitude to Bauchi State Government, the State Legislature, Women for Women International, Child is Gold Foundation and all the CSOs that championed the passage of the bill.
Attah said that though the bill is passed, it still awaits assent by the State governor
She stressed that CSOs are ready to partner with Government in the effective and efficient implementation of the sanitary pad banks system in the state.
“I want to say this without any fear of contradiction that our Governor will assent this bill. The Government of His Excellency Senator Bala Mohammed has created enabling environment for partners and CSOs intervention in Bauchi State. This bill, being the first ever in the whole of the country, is a huge credit to the Bauchi State Government under the dynamic leadership of our Governor”, said Attah.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Child is Gold Foundation Elizabeth George said that the passage of the bill is another milestone and landmark achievement for CSOs working on women related issues.
” Today is a day for the indigent adolescent girls in primary and secondary schools, women in their respective communities and incarcerated women in correctional facilities. Menstrual hygiene management will no longer impedes attendance in school. There will be proper menstrual hygiene management also in correctional facilities and even at community level”.(www.krestnews.com).