By Bunmi Yekini
In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign (SPMC) hosted a virtual public speaking webinar for the top 30 entrants of its My Period Stories Essay Competition, inspiring participants to find their voices and embrace leadership.
Themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Make: Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,” the event brought together mentors and young girls to discuss confidence, storytelling, and self-belief.
Welcoming participants, Anikeade Funke-Treasure, Convener of SPMC, said the initiative aimed to “inspire young girls to speak confidently, share their stories, and pursue their dreams despite societal and personal challenges.”
She emphasized mentorship as a central part of SPMC’s mission. “We believe this program will empower these young girls to become better versions of themselves and positive influencers in society. Through mentorship, we are nurturing future icons,” Funke-Treasure said.
The mentors included Oriyomi Pamela Sosu Otuka, Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan; Betty Dibiah Akeredolu-Ale, CEO of BRANAMA TV; and Sophie Enitan Oluwa, Esq., Executive Director of NATINEEE. Together, they encouraged the girls to embrace their voices and lead change in their communities.
Among the winners of the essay competition were Abasiekeme Eshiet, a Law student at the University of Uyo; Klistivitonyon Ogunlana; and Temitope Akinyinka, who were each paired with mentors for personal guidance and development.
Participants also shared moving testimonies of how the mentorship had transformed their perspectives. One of them, Temiloluwa Ajala, said the program had “opened her eyes to the importance of self-expression and menstrual health advocacy.”
The event featured a captivating poetic performance titled “Menstrual Flow” by Victory Alleson, which earned resounding applause from the virtual audience.
Speakers collectively echoed a powerful message:
“Menstruation is not a source of shame. Girls and women continue to achieve greatness in every sphere, despite all odds.”
Encouraging the girls to become advocates for others, Sophie Enitan Oluwa called attention to the needs of girls in vulnerable conditions such as IDP camps and underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Betty Dibiah Akeredolu-Ale urged inclusivity and equal access, saying: “Girls should know that they can be anything they aspire to be. They must never be afraid to dream big.”
In her closing remarks, Pamela Oriyomi Otuka emphasized the need for greater investment in girls’ health, education, and inclusion in decision-making processes, adding that men and boys should also be engaged in menstrual health campaigns to bridge understanding.
The webinar forms part of SPMC’s broader effort to promote menstrual health education and empower the next generation of girls to lead, speak out, and thrive.