AUST, PadUp Africa Partner On Menstrual Health Advocacy
Abuja, Nigeria – June 1, 2025
In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to gender equality and social responsibility, the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, through its Gender Committee, has joined forces with PadUp Africa to raise awareness on menstrual hygiene and period poverty.
The collaboration was part of the “Walk4Pad405” public health campaign held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Jabi Lake Park, Abuja, in commemoration of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Spearheaded by the Chairperson of AUST’s Gender Committee and a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering department, Dr. Fayen Odette-Anye, the campaign brought together a diverse mix of participants including students from secondary schools, universities, gender advocates, civil society organizations and members of the public.
The event featured a sensitization walk designed to increase the awareness about menstrual hygiene, access to sanitary products, and the broader goal of creating a period-friendly world.
“Walk4Pad405” underscores the urgency of eliminating period poverty and called for greater societal support to ensure girls can stay in school and manage their menstrual periods with dignity.
It also strives to dismantle the cultural stigmatization often associated with menstruation.
AUST students and staff turned out in significant numbers, reinforcing the University’s dedication to advancing gender-focused initiatives and contributing meaningfully to community development.
The campaign was further strengthened by the support of several partners and sponsors, including Eco Fitness, Marie Stopes, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Dr. Odette applauded PadUp Africa for its leadership in menstrual health advocacy and reiterated the University’s readiness to engage in future collaborations that promote inclusivity and impactful policy actions.
She was joined at the event by other gender committee members including, Mrs Onyebuchi Ekpolomo, AUST Chief Librarian; Mrs Nsima Joseph, Students Affairs Coordinator and Mrs Bolade Igbagbo, the university's Head of Human Resources and Logistics.