Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to empowering the Nigerian girl-child through health education and social support with the distribution of female hygiene essentials to students of Kuramo and Victoria Island Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos.
The outreach, which formed part of Polaris Bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day activities, was implemented under the Bank’s ongoing Adolescent Health and Hygiene Support Programme, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene management, confidence, and dignity among adolescent girls.
Through its Girl-Child Support and Hygiene Education Initiative, Polaris Bank seeks to address challenges associated with poor access to sanitary products, which often contribute to school absenteeism among young girls.
Speaking during the programme, the Group Head, Customer Experience and Value Management at Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, delivered an interactive health talk on menstrual hygiene and personal care.
She educated the students on proper use of sanitary pads, the importance of wearing clean underwear daily, regular bathing, and the use of deodorants—particularly during puberty.
“Your body is precious, and how you take care of it determines your confidence and wellbeing,” Mrs. Oluyadi told the students. “Good hygiene is not just about looking clean; it is about staying healthy, feeling comfortable, and showing up confidently in school and beyond.”
She further encouraged the girls to be informed about their bodies, cultivate healthy habits early, and speak confidently about their health needs.
Also addressing the students was Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, Non-Executive Director of Polaris Bank, who delivered a motivational session on self-care, confidence and self-presentation.
“A clean girl equals a successful woman,” Mrs. Giwa-Amu said. “Success is not only about academics; it is also about how you present yourself. First impressions matter, and loving yourself starts with taking care of yourself.”
She urged the girls to build inner confidence, remain self-assured, and prioritise personal hygiene as they transition into womanhood.
“When you respect your body, others see that confidence reflected in how you speak, walk and carry yourself,” she added.
The initiative aligns with Polaris Bank’s broader Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses on empowering young girls through education, access to essential resources, and social interventions that enhance health and academic performance.
The Bank believes that sustained investment in girls’ wellbeing promotes equal opportunities, reduces school dropout rates, and contributes to long-term social and economic development.
By providing both knowledge and hygiene materials, Polaris Bank continues to normalise conversations around menstruation, reduce stigma, and support healthier outcomes for adolescent girls.
