UNICEF-Supported Training Empowers Bauchi Girls to Earn from Reusable Sanitary Pads
By Amina Ahmed
Some adolescent girls in Bauchi State are now generating steady income from the production and sale of reusable sanitary pads following a skills acquisition programme supported by the UNICEF.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Dot community in Dass Local Government Area, earn no less than N20,000 monthly from the initiative, which combines menstrual hygiene education with entrepreneurship training.
Our correspondent reports that 20 girls benefitted from the four-month training programme conducted in May 2025 with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).One of the participants,
Ms Amina Nasir, said the training had begun yielding positive results, particularly in ensuring consistency in production and sales.“I sell a pad for N500 to my peers and other women in the community.
I also have the support of my parents, who help me market the product during their meetings,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Ms Khadija Abdullahi, explained that she leverages the community health centre as a sales outlet.“
I usually go to the health centre and ask some of the workers to help me sell. I earn over N20,000 every month from the sales, which is very encouraging,” she said.
She added that the training covered hygiene practices and proper drying methods, knowledge she now passes on to customers.
Similarly, Ms Amina Mustapha said she markets her products at social and ceremonial gatherings, secondary schools, and through house-to-house distribution.
According to her, the income helps to supplement her school fees and support her family.
Speaking on the initiative, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms Rownak Khan, said the programme had equipped the girls with essential knowledge and practical skills for improved menstrual hygiene management and economic empowerment.
Also, Hajiya Amina Balali, Gender Desk Officer at the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, described the intervention as a welcome development and commended community leaders for their support.
