The Bauchi State House of Assembly (BAHA) has passed a bill mandating the establishment of sanitary pad banks within schools, correctional facilities, and community centers throughout the state.
Mr. Lawal Dauda, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, presented the bill during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Leading the debate on the bill, Dauda emphasized that the provision of free sanitary pad banks would address menstrual hygiene management challenges and contribute to a reduction in absenteeism within schools.
“This initiative will also improve hygiene for indigent adolescent girls, women, and female inmates during their menstrual periods,” he said.
According to Dauda, Bauchi State is the first state in the country to pass such a bill.
“This pioneering legislation aims to tackle menstrual hygiene management issues and promote women’s development in the state,” he added.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, congratulated the state and other partners for their tireless efforts in advocating for the passage of the bill.
Suleiman assured that the bill would have a positive impact on indigent adolescent girls and women who could not afford sanitary pads.
In response to the passage of the bill, Mrs. Comfort Attah, Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, expressed her gratitude to the state government, the legislature, and partner organizations for their collaborative efforts.
However, she reminded that while the bill’s passage represents a significant milestone, its full implementation is contingent upon the governor’s signing it into law.