Celebrating the Launch and Continuation of the Good Cycle Initiative
The Journey So Far
At The Smile Outreach, we are proud to be at the forefront of creating real change in the lives of young girls and women by addressing menstrual health and tackling period poverty head-on.
As part of our mission, we established Pad Stations at two IDP camps on May 28th, 2024, commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day.
These Pad Stations are more than just a place to receive menstrual products—they are hubs for education, support, and empowerment. The launch, followed by continued advocacy efforts in September, has already made a significant impact on the girls and women at these camps.
Good Cycle Activation at Apo Malaysia IDP Camp – May 28th, 2024
On a bright afternoon at the Apo Malaysia IDP Camp, over 100 girls and 10 women gathered for the official launch of the Good Cycle Initiative. This event, organized in partnership with The NOB Foundation and The FAB Treasure Foundation, was a momentous occasion. The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Ayomiposi Ogundipe, our Programs and Partnerships Manager at The Smile Outreach, who set the tone for the event with an inspiring message about the importance of menstrual health and the need to break the silence around it.
The girls were eager to learn, and the interactive Period Talk became the highlight of the event. For many of these girls, this was their first time receiving accurate information about menstrual hygiene. They asked honest and open questions, such as, “How do I fix the pads on my pants?” and “What happens if I use neat pieces of cloth?”—questions that reflect the reality of many girls who have had no prior access to proper menstrual products. The responses from our facilitators not only addressed these concerns but also empowered the girls to manage their menstruation with dignity.
The DIY Menstrual Bracelet activity, led by Gloria Imoh of The FAB Treasure Foundation, was an uplifting experience. The girls created beautiful bracelets that symbolized their menstrual cycles while learning about their bodies. This hands-on activity encouraged them to take pride in understanding and embracing this natural process. At the end of the session, menstrual products were distributed to every girl and woman present, ensuring that they left with both knowledge and the resources to support their menstrual health.
Good Cycle Activation at Wassa IDP Camp – May 28th, 2024
Simultaneously, at the Wassa IDP Camp, the Good Cycle Initiative was launched with a similar spirit of empowerment and education. In partnership with The Stand With A Girl Initiative, 96 girls came together for a day of learning and support. The event began with a heartfelt welcome from Ms. Becky of Stand With A Girl Initiative, who spoke about the importance of girls understanding their menstrual health to prevent school absenteeism and tackle societal stigmas.
The girls at Wassa were just as enthusiastic, participating in lively Period Stories discussions. For many of them, this was the first time they had shared their experiences with their peers. Questions flowed freely as the girls sought advice on managing their periods with limited resources. One participant asked, “Is it safe to use rags if I wash them?” This question opened the door to a broader conversation about hygiene, with facilitators emphasizing the importance of using sanitary products to prevent infections.
By the end of the session, 100 menstrual hygiene products were distributed, providing immediate relief to girls who often resort to unsafe alternatives.
Monthly Follow-Up Activities – September 2024
Our commitment to the girls and women at these camps didn’t end in May. In September, we returned to both the Apo Malaysia and Wassa camps for follow-up sessions. At Apo Wassa, 50 girls participated in the first of a multi-phase educational series. This session focused on puberty awareness and menstrual hygiene, delivered primarily in Hausa to ensure that every girl could fully engage. The girls shared personal stories about their first periods, creating a supportive environment where they felt comfortable discussing sensitive topics. The use of Hausa bridged the gap and allowed for deeper, more meaningful conversations.
At Apo Malaysia, 35 girls gathered for another interactive session. This time, we went further into the physical and emotional changes of puberty. The girls participated in fun, lively discussions, asking thoughtful questions and receiving practical advice. We provided menstrual products at the end of the session, but even more importantly, the girls left with a greater understanding of how to care for their bodies during menstruation.
The Impact So Far
Since the launch of the Good Cycle Initiative, the impact has been immediate and profound. Many of the girls at both IDP camps have expressed a newfound confidence in managing their periods. The regular monthly sessions at these Pad Stations have become a space for continued learning and support. Community leaders and women in the camps have also played a crucial role, reinforcing the importance of menstrual health and ensuring that the girls remain engaged with the initiative.
The presence of these Pad Stations not only provides the girls with much-needed menstrual products but also serves as a hub for ongoing education on menstrual health, sexual grooming, and related issues. The stations are a visible and tangible symbol of support in these communities, fostering a culture of openness and empowerment.
Join the Good Cycle: Help Us Establish More Pad Stations
The success of the Good Cycle Initiative shows that small actions can create lasting change. But there is so much more to be done. We invite you to join us in expanding the Good Cycle Initiative to reach even more girls and women in schools, IDP camps, and prisons across the country. Your support can help us establish additional Pad Stations, ensuring that no girl has to miss school or suffer in silence due to lack of access to menstrual products.
