For many girls and young women in underserved communities, menstruation is not just a monthly experience—it’s a monthly crisis. Without access to safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products, millions are forced to stay home from school, face embarrassment, or even resort to unsafe alternatives that pose serious health risks.
At the Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF), we’ve seen firsthand the impact of period poverty through our ongoing Pad Bank project—a grassroots initiative that provides free sanitary pads to girls in public schools. It was this work that caught the attention of Real Relief, a Denmark-based social enterprise dedicated to innovative, sustainable humanitarian solutions.
Last Friday, CYPF had the privilege of hosting a strategic partnership meeting with Real Relief, represented by Sridhar Boobalan, their Planning and Logistics Manager. The focus? Safepad—a groundbreaking reusable sanitary pad now being produced locally in Nigeria, thanks to Real Relief’s newly established production plant in Abia State.
Why Reusable Pads Matter
Reusable sanitary pads like Safepad are designed to be durable, antimicrobial, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Unlike disposable pads that contribute to plastic pollution and are often unaffordable for low-income families, Safepads can be washed and reused for up to three years—making them a sustainable solution to a deeply rooted problem.
They also offer girls something beyond hygiene: confidence, comfort, and the freedom to participate fully in school and daily life without shame or fear.
A Partnership for Lasting Change
This partnership will mark a new chapter in our fight against menstrual inequality. By combining CYPF’s deep community reach and Real Relief’s innovative technology, we’re looking to scale access to reusable pads across schools and vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
We are particularly excited about the local production of Safepads, which not only ensures affordability and availability but also contributes to local employment and sustainability. We also hope get more organization working in the space to collectively work together to get to more girls and more communities.
Moving Forward
As we continue to deepen this partnership, CYPF remains committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where no girl is held back because of her period. We believe menstrual health is a human right, not a luxury—and with the support of forward-thinking partners like Real Relief, that belief is becoming a reality.
Let’s keep pushing for a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to education, health, or dignity.
