Janefrances Chibuzor
Founder of She Inc Stéphannie Onyeche has reiterated her commitment to tackling period poverty in Nigeria, a crisis that affects 38 million women who cannot afford basic sanitary products. In an online interview with Berexnews today from her base in Germany, Onyeche pointed out how this silent crisis impacts health, education, and dignity, perpetuating cycles of poverty for millions of Nigerian girls and women.
“Period poverty is one of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges facing girls and women in Nigeria. It is not just about hygiene; it’s about dignity, education, and opportunity. When girls cannot afford sanitary products, they are forced to use unhygienic alternatives like rags or leaves. This puts them at risk of infections and prevents them from attending school or participating fully in society. “We must break this cycle,” Onyeche said.
Onyeche who is also Meta Marketing Analyst noted that the inability to manage menstruation properly has a devastating impact on education. “When girls miss school during their periods, it leads to absenteeism, lower academic performance, and in some cases, dropping out altogether,” she said, noting that the long-term effects are profound and limiting opportunities for these girls and trapping them in poverty.
This reality led Onyeche to establish She Inc., a non-profit organisation committed to distributing free sanitary products to girls in schools and underserved communities.
According to her, she wanted to address a tangible, everyday challenge that directly affects girls’ lives.
“Providing sanitary products is not just meeting a basic need; it is empowering girls to live with confidence, stay in school, and pursue their dreams,” she said.
She Inc.’s slogan, “I’m In,” give thought to the organisation’s mission to rally collective action against period poverty. To her, “It’s more than just a catchphrase, however a call to action. It’s a commitment to ensuring that no girl is left behind because of something as natural as menstruation,” she added..
Her passion for addressing period poverty is deeply personal, inspired by the humanitarian legacy of her grandparents, Chief B.O. Nnadi and Lady Juliana Nnadi. During the Nigerian Civil War, her grandparents turned their home into a sanctuary for displaced individuals, providing food, medicine, and shelter to those in need.
Recalling her family’s experiences, she said: “My grandparents were a beacon of hope during a time of unimaginable hardship. They didn’t just offer aid; they restored dignity and a sense of community. Their selflessness and compassion shaped my understanding of service and inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others.”
This legacy drove Onyeche to create a non-profit organisation that goes beyond traditional charity models. “Many organisations focus on food and clothing donations, which are important, but they often overlook the specific needs of women and girls. I wanted She Inc. To fill that gap by focusing on menstrual products. Access to these products is not a luxury, it is a basic human right,” she said.
Through She Inc., Onyeche and her team have distributed thousands of sanitary products to underserved communities, directly impacting the lives of countless girls and women. However, she acknowledges that period poverty is a deeply entrenched issue requiring systemic change.
“Breaking the cycle of period poverty means more than just distributing products. We need to challenge cultural taboos, advocate for policies that prioritise women’s health, and educate communities about the importance of menstrual hygiene. This is a fight for equality and dignity,”she added.
Despite the challenges, Onyeche is inspired by the resilience of the girls and women She Inc. Serves. “Their strength and determination motivate me every day,” she said. “They remind me of why this work is so important and why we must continue to fight for a future where no girl is held back by period poverty.”
Looking ahead, Onyeche remains optimistic. “I believe in the power of collective action,” she said. “When we come together, we can create lasting change. We can build a world where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, where no one is held back by something as natural as menstruation.”
As She Inc. Continues its mission, Onyeche’s message is clear: “We are all in this fight together. Let’s break the cycle of period poverty and empower our girls to reach their full potential.”
Through She Inc., Stéphannie Onyeche is creating a movement that restores dignity, fosters opportunity, and builds a brighter future for girls and women in Nigeria. Her grandparents’ legacy of compassion and service lives on in her work, inspiring a new generation to say, “I’m In.”
