Fighting Period Poverty: Tulips – Julia Chigbue Foundation Takes a Stand

Period poverty remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. It refers to the inability of individuals, especially women and girls, to access or afford the sanitary products they need during menstruation. This situation leads to the use of unhygienic materials, resulting in serious health risks, stigma, and a loss of confidence for those affected.

However, there is hope on the horizon. The Julia Chigbue Foundation, through its flagship initiative, Tulips, is taking bold steps to combat period poverty. With a multifaceted approach that includes the distribution of hygiene packs and a training program on making reusable sanitary pads, the Foundation is making an impactful difference. Here’s how they are working to fight period poverty and empower thousands of women and girls.

Tulips: A Lifeline for Women in Need
Tulips, a sanitary pad initiative under the Julia Chigbue Foundation, is dedicated to providing sanitary pads to women and girls who struggle to afford them. Period poverty doesn’t just affect physical health—it also has profound psychological and social consequences. Without access to menstrual hygiene products, girls are often forced to miss school, women lose income, and many face the humiliation of using unhygienic alternatives.

Through Tulips, the Julia Chigbue Foundation is directly addressing these issues by distributing hygiene packs to women and girls in underserved communities. These packs contain sanitary pads, providing a vital resource in areas where such products are often considered a luxury. By offering these products, Tulips ensures that girls can continue their education, women can go to work, and individuals can maintain their dignity and health during menstruation.

Empowering Communities Through Reusable Sanitary Pads
But the Julia Chigbue Foundation’s efforts go beyond distribution. In addition to providing sanitary pads, the Foundation is also organizing training sessions on how to make reusable sanitary pads. This initiative offers a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to period poverty. By teaching women and girls how to create their own reusable pads, the Foundation is empowering them to take control of their menstrual health while addressing long-term needs.

The first training session will take place in the Bwari Area Council in May 2025, with the goal of training 10,000 participants. The training will provide the knowledge and skills needed to create reusable sanitary pads, ensuring that women and girls not only have access to affordable menstrual products but also learn how to produce them locally, helping to alleviate period poverty in their communities.

Collaborative Support: A Stronger Impact
This initiative would not be possible without the support of numerous partners. The Julia Chigbue Foundation is collaborating with the Bwari Area Council, government agencies, philanthropists, other NGOs, and compassionate individuals to ensure the success of this training program. By building a network of supporters, the Foundation is able to mobilize resources and offer much-needed assistance to a wider audience.

Together, these partners are creating an environment where women and girls can access the resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity. The training on reusable sanitary pads is a vital tool, ensuring that even after the distribution of hygiene packs, communities will have the knowledge and skills to maintain their menstrual health needs independently.

The Road Ahead: A Future Free from Period Poverty
The vision of the Julia Chigbue Foundation and its Tulips initiative is clear: to eliminate period poverty in Nigeria, ensuring that no woman or girl is forced to miss school, work, or social activities due to the lack of sanitary products. The training in Bwari Area Council is only the beginning. With support from local communities, government bodies, and philanthropic individuals, the initiative has the potential to reach across Nigeria, creating a future where period poverty no longer exists.

The Foundation’s work is about more than providing immediate relief—it’s about fostering sustainable change. The goal is to equip women and girls with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to manage their menstrual health with confidence, empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty and stigma.

How You Can Help
The fight against period poverty is one that requires collective effort, and there are many ways to contribute. Whether through donations, spreading awareness, or volunteering your time, your support can make a lasting difference. Together, we can work towards a future where no woman or girl has to suffer from period poverty.

Let’s unite in this mission to create a world where menstrual health is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for every woman and girl. Support Tulips and the Julia Chigbue Foundation’s mission to break the barriers of period poverty, ensuring that dignity, health, and opportunity are accessible to all.