The Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA) is expanding its efforts to address period poverty and limited access to mentorship, through a nationwide programme expected to reach more than 1,500 participants across Lagos, Abuja and Imo State.
Under its female development arm, Gridiron GEMS, the association has launched a Cluster Mentorship Program (CMP) and Pad Drive aimed at combining leadership development, menstrual health support and sports participation into a single intervention for girls and young women.
The initiative, which began in Lagos on June 12, will move to Abuja on June 18 before concluding in Imo State on June 25, bringing together students, community leaders, mentors and development partners.
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The programme comes at a time when concerns over school absenteeism linked to menstrual health challenges and the lack of structured mentorship opportunities continue to affect the development prospects of many girls, particularly in underserved communities.
