.. as BEMORE Founder calls for improved menstrual health facilities in Schools

Founder of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has emphasized the need for a holistic approach to girl-child development, stressing that sportsmanship, mentorship, leadership and menstrual health are critical pillars for raising confident and successful young women.

She made the call on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the launch of the GEMS Cluster Mentorship and Menstrual Hygiene Outreach Programme held at Ikenegbu Girls Secondary School in Owerri.

The programme, themed “Sportsmanship, Mentorship, Leadership and Menstrual Health: A Holistic Approach to Developing the Girl-Child,” was organised by the National American Football Association (NAFA), Gridiron GEMS and Pads for Her Initiative in collaboration with the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation.

Speaking to students, educators and stakeholders, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the development of girls must go beyond classroom education to include physical well-being, self-confidence, leadership training and personal dignity.

Drawing from over a decade of experience through the BEMORE Foundation, she noted that thousands of girls across Nigeria had been empowered with digital skills, solar technology training, mentorship and leadership development programmes.

“Our experience has consistently demonstrated that when girls are empowered with knowledge, confidence and opportunities, they become catalysts for positive change in their families, communities and nation,” she said.

According to her, the girl-child should be seen as “an asset to be developed” rather than a liability, adding that society has a collective responsibility to create an environment where girls can thrive.

On sportsmanship, she described sports as a powerful tool for personal development, noting that participation helps girls build discipline, teamwork, resilience, perseverance and self-confidence.
She lamented that many girls are still discouraged from engaging in sports because of societal stereotypes and urged stakeholders to encourage female participation in sporting activities.

Addressing the importance of mentorship, Anyanwu-Akeredolu said positive role models play a vital role in helping young girls navigate challenges and make informed decisions about their future.

“Mentorship transforms uncertainty into confidence, potential into purpose and aspirations into achievement,” she stated.

She also stressed the need to prepare girls for leadership roles, noting that leadership is rooted in responsibility, vision and service rather than titles or positions.

According to her, Nigeria’s future depends on nurturing girls who are prepared to lead in education, science, technology, business, healthcare and governance.

The former First Lady of Ondo State further highlighted menstrual health as one of the most neglected aspects of girl-child development, warning that stigma, misinformation and lack of access to sanitary products continue to hinder many girls from achieving their full potential.

She observed that some girls miss classes and lose confidence because they lack access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate facilities.

“Menstrual health is not merely a health issue. It is an education issue, a gender equity issue and a human dignity issue,” she said.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu also raised concerns about the poor state of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in many schools across Imo State, describing the situation as unacceptable.

She noted that the absence of clean water, private toilets, handwashing facilities and proper waste disposal systems disproportionately affects adolescent girls, particularly during menstruation.

Calling for urgent action, she urged the Imo State Government, Ministries of Education and Health, local government authorities, development partners, school administrators and community leaders to prioritise the provision of WASH facilities in schools.

She advocated reliable access to clean water, safe and functional toilets, handwashing stations, menstrual waste disposal systems and comprehensive menstrual health education programmes in all schools across the state.

“Every school day missed because of menstruation represents a lost educational opportunity. When a girl is forced to choose between her education and her dignity, society has failed her,” she said.

She concluded by reiterating that sportsmanship, mentorship, leadership and menstrual health remain essential foundations for empowering girls to become future leaders, innovators and agents of change.
“Let us empower our girls today so that they may confidently lead us into a brighter tomorrow,” she urged.