By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
Determined to equip young girls for future opportunities and challenges, the Ondo State Government has introduced a far-reaching programme aimed at promoting digital inclusion and menstrual hygiene among female students across the state.
The initiative, themed “Tech a Girl; Pad a Girl Child,” was unveiled on Monday in Akure by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11 to celebrate the rights, resilience, and contributions of girls globally.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, the governor said the dual-focus project seeks to close the gender gap in technology while also addressing menstrual hygiene challenges that often hinder girls’ education.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Girl That I Am, The Change I Need – Girls at the Frontlines of Crisis,’ encourages us to celebrate the courage, creativity, and leadership of girl.
“They are not just recipients of change but key players shaping the world into a more equitable and inclusive one,”he said.
He explained that the Tech a Girl segment is designed to give participants fundamental knowledge in digital literacy, a skill essential for success in today’s technology-driven world. “We are investing in their capacity to learn, innovate, and compete globally,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Complementing this, the Pad a Girl Child component focuses on menstrual health awareness and access to sanitary materials. The governor disclosed that 5,000 sanitary pads will be distributed to female students across the 18 local government areas of the state to promote menstrual dignity and reduce school absenteeism.
“No girl should be left behind or miss school due to her menstrual period. Providing sanitary pads and education on menstrual health is an act of dignity and empowerment,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa urged the girls to believe in themselves, pursue excellence, and reject stereotypes that limit their potential. “You are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Your gender is not a barrier but a strength,” he told them.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Tomide Akinribido, described digital literacy as the new global empowerment tool, commending the government for prioritising girls in its technology development agenda.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who supervised the official ceremony of pad distribution, said the gesture would help reduce absenteeism and boost girls’ confidence in schools.
“This initiative goes beyond health.lt is a key investment in education and gender equality,” Ajibefun added.