The Bauchi State House of Assembly has pledged its support for any initiative aimed at improving practices related to menstrual hygiene and addressing issues associated with women’s health in the society.
This commitment was highlighted during an advocacy visit by the Coalition of Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs), under the ‘UNTAX MY MENSTRUAL PAD’ Movement, led by Attah Sisters Helping Hands (ASHH) and CIG Foundations.
The delegation visited the Assembly (BAHA) to seek legislative support.
According to a press statement from Joseph Sule, the Communication Officer of ASHH Foundation, the purpose of the advocacy visit was to garner support from legislators for the campaign to remove taxes on sanitary pads and to establish pad banks in schools across Bauchi State.
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The goal is to ensure that girls have access to sanitary pads during their menstrual periods without missing school.
During the visit, the Coalition presented a communique, adopted during their inaugural meeting in April 2024, requesting the implementation of their recommendations.
Responding on behalf of the members, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, praised the coalition’s innovative proposal to establish pad banks in schools, calling it groundbreaking and worthy of note.
He assured the Coalition that the House would take swift action to implement the initiative and directed the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Lawal Dauda, to prepare and present a bill for consideration.
The Speaker also expressed gratitude to Women for Women International (WFWI) for their steadfast support in advancing gender equality, championing women’s rights, and promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda (WPSA) in Bauchi State and beyond.
“Through your tireless advocacy and impactful initiatives, you have empowered countless women, providing them with the tools, voice, and confidence to transform their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and national development,” the Speaker said.
In a goodwill message during the visit, Hon. Dr. Nasir A. Ala, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, commended the coalition for its proactive efforts and assured them of the House’s readiness to collaborate on advancing the rights of women and girls in Bauchi State.
Additionally, Hon. Mohammed Wanzam reaffirmed the House’s commitment to gender equality and expressed openness to working with women to advance their rights, despite the House being composed entirely of men.
