NGO Donates 10,000 Sanitary Pads to Inmates

The Carmelite Women Welfare Initiative (CAWIN), a non-governmental organisation, has produced and donated over 10,000 reusable sanitary pads to female inmates across Nigeria in the past five years.

The Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Jude Isiguzo, disclosed this during a four-day capacity building workshop for CAWIN’s Board, Management, and Staff on Tuesday in Enugu.

CAWIN, previously known as the Female Inmates and Returned Citizens (FIRC) Multipurpose Cooperative Society, is technically supported by the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO) and funded by Misean Cara, an Irish mission support group.

Read Also: Enugu Launches Affordable Hypertension Care Plan

Promoting Dignity Through Hygiene and Empowerment

Rev. Fr. Isiguzo revealed that since its inception in 2020, the organisation has established training centres within custodial facilities in Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Rivers States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to facilitate the production of reusable sanitary pads.

“The centres have produced and distributed over 10,000 homemade, comfortable sanitary pads to female inmates at no cost,” Isiguzo said.

He added that 540 female inmates across eight custodial centres in Umuahia, Onitsha, Agbor, Abakaliki, Enugu, Lagos, Jos, and Port Harcourt have been trained in the production of reusable sanitary pads.

Education and Vocational Training for Inmates

CAWIN has also improved the knowledge of over 600 female inmates on sexual rights, menstrual hygiene, and health management.

In addition, more than 20 returned inmates and ex-inmates have received vocational training in soap making, tailoring, and computer literacy.

“Many of those released from custody are now economically active—producing and selling toiletries and home essentials, while others with digital skills are meaningfully engaged in their communities,” he said.

A Mission Beyond Incarceration

According to Isiguzo, CAWIN’s broader mission is to create a safe and inclusive platform for female inmates and ex-inmates, empowering them to reintegrate into society despite the barriers of stigma and discrimination.

“We are committed to transforming lives through empowerment, reform, and reintegration,” he added.

NAN