The Need: The Equip H.E.R initiative was created in response to a deep and often overlooked challenge: period poverty. Many girls at Talent Mine Academy and Ansar-ud-Deen School in Ogun State miss classes monthly due to a lack of access to sanitary pads and proper menstrual hygiene education. Without these essentials, girls are exposed to infections, shame, and school absenteeism, which affects academic performance and confidence. A baseline survey revealed that about 30% to 57% of girls in these schools lacked the basic knowledge or materials to manage their periods safely.

---

The Response: To address this, Equip H.E.R designed a comprehensive menstrual hygiene awareness and distribution campaign. Prince Casper Foundation donated ₦500,000 to fund the initiative. This covered the cost of 100 hygiene packs, which included sanitary pads, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, custom-branded bags, printed period trackers, and awareness leaflets. The initiative also paid for facilitation, custom awareness stickers, and logistics. Girls were sensitized on menstrual health management in an engaging, stigma-free environment, led by facilitators who promoted dignity and understanding.

---

The Outcome: Over 100 girls were directly impacted through this initiative. The provision of hygiene kits reduced school absenteeism and empowered the girls to manage their periods with dignity. Feedback from school authorities and participants showed increased awareness and a sense of confidence among the girls. The program created a safe space to discuss menstruation, helping to erase harmful myths and cultural shame. The success of this initiative sets the stage for replication in other underserved schools, and the Equip H.E.R project plans to scale the model to reach more girls across other states.