Lagos, Nigeria – April 15, 2025 — In a continued effort to promote menstrual health, maternal hygiene and environmental sustainability, ATLAS Initiative, with support from Plan International successfully equipped over 50 adolescent girls and young women in Ikorodu LGA, Lagos State with practical skills to produce eco-friendly reproductive health products, including reusable sanitary pads and breast pads for nursing mothers.
The training focused on providing sustainable alternatives to conventional hygiene products, helping young girls manage their reproductive health with dignity while reducing environmental waste. The activity also aligns with ATLAS Initiative’s broader mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of underserved communities through empowerment and education.
Key components of the event included:
Sourcing and engagement of an expert facilitator in reusable pad production
Mobilization and preparation of participants
Pre-training and post-training assessments to gauge impact
Practical demonstrations using eco-friendly, affordable materials
Group collaboration exercises to foster peer learning and community building
By the end of the training, participants not only learned to make their own reusable hygiene products but also expressed strong interest in continuing to use and promote these items in their communities.
One of the participants, Iyanu (16yrs), shared her experience: “Reusable pads are very useful. They help to save money and also keep the environment clean. Unlike normal pads that we use and throw away, reusable pads can be washed and used again. I even want to use it as a source of income.”
After participating in the reusable pad-making training under the ELiTE project, Barakat (21yrs), a young mother, shared how much she enjoyed the experience and the lessons she learned. She explained that using reusable pads would help her save money, unlike regular disposable pads that are expensive and also contribute to waste in the environment.
Barakat also pointed out an important safety concern in her community, that reusable pads protect women from individuals with bad intentions who usually collect used disposable pads for harmful/ritual purposes. She found the training very interesting and informative, and it opened her eyes to the many benefits of reusable sanitary pads.
Inspired by the knowledge and skills she has gained during the training session, Barakat has gone a step ahead by using the materials provided to produce more reusable pads. She has expressed her desire to start a small business producing and selling reusable pads in her community. She looks forward to providing an affordable, eco-friendly alternative while creating a source of income for herself and supporting the wellbeing of her young child.
Outputs Achieved:
Over 50 adolescent girls and young women trained
Dozens of reusable sanitary pads produced during the session
High participant satisfaction and willingness to continue the practice
“This initiative is more than just a training—it’s a movement toward dignity, sustainability, and health equity for girls in underserved areas,” said Obiageli Chukwuemeka, Project Coordinator. “We’re proud to support these young women with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their reproductive health.”
The program was made possible through collaboration with local stakeholders and the dedication of the ELiTE Project team, supported by Plan International. With successful implementation and positive outcomes, ATLAS Initiative plans to scale up this initiative to reach more girls across Lagos and beyond.
For more information or inquiries, please contact:
Olatunji Bushroh
Programme Manager
ATLAS Initiative
Atlasinitiativenigeria@gmail.com