In celebration of the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Ibadan Wives and Mums Network (IBWNM), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to women’s well-being, distributed over 1,000 sanitary pads to public school in Ibadan.
At St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola, where the distribution held, no fewer than 1,000 girls benefitted directly from the outreach, which aimed to promote menstrual hygiene and reaffirm the value of young girls in society.
The event, held on Friday, was in line with this year’s global theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
Representing the President of IBWNM, Mrs. Opeoluwa Ike, the organisation’s representative, Mrs. Adeshewa Ogunyemi, delivered an inspiring address to the students.
She reminded them that the world celebrates the girl child not just for her beauty, but for her strength, intelligence, and limitless potential.
“Every great woman the world celebrates today was once a girl like you; curious, hopeful, and sometimes unsure,” Ogunyemi said.
“But she learned to believe in herself. She discovered that being a girl is not a weakness; it’s a superpower. Girls are the heartbeat of every community,” she added.
Ogunyemi highlighted that when a girl is educated, confident, and given a voice, entire families and communities thrive.
She, however, acknowledged that many girls still face challenges, from limited opportunities and early marriage to period shame and societal stereotypes.
“Here’s the truth: you can. You can learn. You can lead. You can speak up. You can make an impact,” she told the students.
The IBWNM representative also used the platform to demystify menstruation, describing it as a sign of strength and womanhood rather than shame.
“Your body is beautiful, and your period is not a shameful thing. Take care of yourself, stay clean, stay healthy, and stay confident,” she urged.
She encouraged the girls to nurture their dreams, whether to become doctors, engineers, artists, or leaders, and to start making a difference right where they are.
“You don’t have to wait to grow up before you make change. You can start now — by helping your friends, studying hard, and standing up for what is right,” she added.
Ogunyemi however closed her remarks by reminding the students that they are capable of greatness.
“You are strong, smart, and enough. You are the girl who leads, the hope the world is waiting for. Go out there, shine bright, and let the world feel the power of who you are.”
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the outreach by IBWNM was part of a wider initiative to support adolescent girls with menstrual hygiene products and empower them with the confidence to lead change in their communities.