PROJECT PROPOSAL: Menstrual Hygiene Awareness & Sanitary Pad Distribution Project

 PROJECT PROPOSAL: Menstrual Hygiene Awareness & Sanitary Pad Distribution Project

This is one of the most realistic, low-to-medium budget, and high-impact CDS projects—especially in rural and underserved communities where many girls still lack access to sanitary products and menstrual education.

Below is the full, detailed, step-by-step plan, including objectives, timeline, budget guide, execution strategy, and measurable outcomes.

📘 PROJECT TITLE:

“Dignity for Girls Initiative: Menstrual Hygiene Awareness and Free Sanitary Pad Distribution Project”

🎯 1. PROJECT SUMMARY

The Dignity for Girls Initiative aims to educate schoolgirls on proper menstrual hygiene management and provide them with free sanitary pads. Many young girls in rural and low-income communities lack access to menstrual education and rely on unsafe alternatives such as rags, newspapers, or tissue papers. This contributes to infections, absenteeism, low academic performance, and loss of confidence.

This project seeks to empower girls with knowledge, boost their dignity, improve school attendance, and promote health and sanitation.

🎯 2. PROJECT GOALS & OBJECTIVES

(a) Educate girls (ages 10–18) on:

• The menstrual cycle
• Safe and proper menstrual hygiene
• How to use and dispose of sanitary pads
• Personal hygiene practices
• Myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation

(b) Provide free sanitary pads

Minimum target: 200–500 beneficiaries depending on funds.

(c) Reduce school absenteeism

Girls often miss 3–5 days a month due to lack of menstrual products.

(d) Improve girls’ confidence and dignity

Menstrual shame is common in underserved communities.

(e) Promote community awareness

Through teachers, mothers, and community leaders.

🧩 3. PROJECT TARGET BENEFICIARIES

• Public secondary school girls (JSS1 – SS3)
• Rural or underserved communities
• Girls from low-income homes

Optional:
Mothers and female teachers can be included in awareness sessions.

🛠️ 4. STEP-BY-STEP PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Below is the complete breakdown of everything you need to do:

STEP 1: Needs Assessment (1–2 weeks)

Tasks:

✔ Visit the target school/community to assess:

• Number of girls
• Current menstrual hygiene practices
• Availability of toilets/water
• School’s acceptance of the project

✔ Conduct short interviews with teachers/counsellors.
✔ Determine estimated cost and logistics for execution.

STEP 2: Write Project Proposal & Get NYSC Approval (1 week)

Prepare a formal proposal and submit to:

• LGI (Local Government Inspector)
• ZI (Zonal Inspector)
• School principal

Approval is needed before fundraising.

Your proposal should include:

• Purpose
• Benefits
• Budget
• Timeline
• Expected outcomes

I can generate a full NYSC-ready proposal if you want.

STEP 3: Fundraising & Sponsorship (2–4 weeks)

Potential sponsors:

• Local government chairman
• Community leaders
• Religious organizations
• NGOs (Girl-Child Initiative groups)
• Pharmacies & supermarkets
• Banks (CSR departments)
• Market women associations
• Private companies
• Family and friends
• Your PPA management

How to raise funds:

✔ Write official request letters
✔ Attach proposal and budget
✔ Meet sponsors physically
✔ Use social media campaigns
✔ Seek donations in the form of sanitary pads, not just money
✔ Partner with NGOs like:

• Always Nigeria
• WaterAid
• UNICEF local offices

STEP 4: Planning the Seminar (1–2 weeks)

What you’ll prepare:

• Educational materials (charts, flyers)
• Sample pads for demonstration
• Guest speakers (nurses, midwives)
• A hall and projector (optional)
• Logistics for volunteers
• Refreshments (optional)

STEP 5: Procurement of Sanitary Pads (1 week)

Buy in bulk to save cost.
Target brands with discounts: LadyCare, Always, Virony, Softcare, etc.

Store them in a clean, dry place until distribution day.

STEP 6: Execution of the Awareness Programme (Event Day)

Event Timeline Example:

1. Arrival & Setup

• Arrange chairs
• Set up banners/posters
• Organize pads for distribution

2. Opening Speech
By principal, NYSC representative, or project coordinator.

3. Health Talk
Delivered by a nurse or trained corps member:

• Understanding menstruation
• Hygiene practices
• How to use a pad correctly
• Myths and truth about menstruation
• Warning signs of infections

4. Q&A Session
Let girls ask questions privately or openly.

5. Demonstration Session
Show proper pad usage and disposal using samples.

6. Distribution of Sanitary Pads
Each girl receives 1–3 packs depending on donations.

7. Vote of Thanks
Take pictures for reporting and documentation.

STEP 7: Monitoring & Evaluation (Within 2 weeks)

After the event:

• Collect feedback from teachers.
• Evaluate if absenteeism reduces.
• Document changes in knowledge using simple survey forms.
• Submit report to NYSC officials.

STEP 8: Project Documentation & NYSC Submission

Prepare:

• Full report
• Attendance list
• Photos and videos
• Receipts
• Sponsor list
• Summary of impact

This will be added to your CDS records.

💰 5. PROJECT BUDGET ESTIMATE (Flexible)

Item	Quantity	Cost Estimate
Sanitary pads	200–500 packs	₦60,000 – ₦200,000
Printing flyers	200 copies	₦10,000 – ₦20,000
Banners	1–2	₦5,000 – ₦12,000
Refreshments	Optional	₦10,000 – ₦25,000
Guest speaker token	Optional	₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Transportation	—	₦5,000 – ₦15,000
Miscellaneous	—	₦5,000 – ₦10,000

Total Estimated Budget:

₦90,000 – ₦300,000 (depending on scale)

Note: You can scale down to ₦40,000 for smaller groups.

📊 6. EXPECTED IMPACT

• Improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
• Reduced infections caused by unsafe practices
• Reduced absenteeism
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Community-wide awareness
• Empowered female students
• Strengthened relationship between NYSC and host community

🧩 7. RISKS & MITIGATION

Risk	Solution
Low funding	Reduce target beneficiaries, seek NGO support
Poor attendance	Choose a school assembly day
Delays in approval	Start proposal early
Shortage of pads	Prioritize JSS & SS classes with most need
Mismanagement of items	Keep records and involve school authorities

🎓 8. SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

After your service or event:

• Form a school health club
• Train a teacher or health prefect to continue mentorship
• Provide posters for display
• Encourage periodic donations from NGOs and community groups

This project is one of the most impactful, feasible, low-cost, and socially meaningful projects a corps member can execute. It directly improves the lives of girls and leaves a lasting legacy in your host community.