SMMAGS Alumnae Unite to Advance Menstrual Dignity, Girls’ Education and Community Empowerment in Abia State

PRESS RELEASE

The SMMAGS Old Girls Abuja Chapter, in partnership with Diamond Ladies Class of ’93 Alumni, has successfully held its inaugural Sponsor Her Menstrual Care Initiative at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Girls Seminary (SMMAGS), Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State.

Held on Monday, 19 October 2026, the outreach brought former students back to their alma mater to promote menstrual health, personal dignity, confidence and educational participation among young girls.

Under the theme “Empowering Girls, Preserving Dignity,” the initiative was guided by the message “Once, We Were Her. Today, We Stand for Her.”

The programme featured menstrual-health education, interactive engagement and the distribution of sanitary pads, menstrual-care materials and food packs to members of the school community.

The initiative was undertaken under the leadership of Mrs Florence Odii, President of SMMAGS Old Girls Abuja Chapter, and Mrs Nnenna Osi-Anugwa, President of Diamond Ladies Class of ’93 Alumni, reflecting the shared commitment of both associations to supporting the next generation of girls.

In a joint message from both Presidents, delivered by Chinezerem Agbakuru, the organisers recalled their own experiences as students of the institution and emphasised that menstruation should never prevent a girl from participating confidently in school life.

They encouraged the students to remain confident, take their education seriously and recognise that the women supporting them today had once walked the same school grounds.

The organisers also expressed appreciation to members of both alumni associations whose contributions, resources and collective efforts made the outreach possible, reaffirming their intention to sustain the initiative beyond its inaugural visit.

Delivering the menstrual-health session, Mrs Chinyere Amajor explained that menstruation is a natural biological process and encouraged students to practise proper personal hygiene, use menstrual-care products responsibly and dispose of used sanitary materials appropriately.

Mrs Ijeoma Udeagha further encouraged the girls to approach menstruation positively and seek guidance from trusted adults whenever they needed support.

The event also provided an opportunity for collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs, whose Permanent Secretary, Mrs Becky Oguama, represented the Commissioner, Dr Maureen Aghukwa.

As part of the Ministry’s school sensitisation activities associated with the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, the representative addressed students on the dangers of human trafficking, including deceptive offers of employment and other forms of exploitation.

The Ministry’s participation highlighted how alumni-led community initiatives and government institutions can complement one another in advancing girls’ safety, education and wellbeing.

In her welcome address, the Principal of the school, Mrs Chinyere Ezemandu, commended the alumnae for returning to support their former school. She emphasised the institution’s commitment to discipline, dedication and hard work and expressed hope that the outreach would inspire current students to give back to their communities in the future.

Also addressing the students, Mrs Ebere Ogbuagu, Vice President of Diamond Ladies Class of ’93 Alumni, encouraged them to remain focused on their education and aspirations, emphasising that being female should never limit their opportunities or ambitions.

Other speakers reinforced the importance of personal safety, education and continued community support for the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Senior Prefect Favour Chigo expressed gratitude to the visiting alumnae and representatives of the Ministry for their encouragement and support.

Beyond the day’s activities, Sponsor Her represents a commitment to building a sustainable culture of care, where former students use their collective influence, resources and experiences to create opportunities for younger generations.

The inaugural outreach has already generated interest among other SMMAGS alumni groups, with some expressing a desire to participate in future community support initiatives. The organisers welcomed this growing enthusiasm and encouraged more alumnae, partners and well-wishers to join hands in expanding the initiative’s reach and long-term impact.

Because her period should never stop her progress.

*About Sponsor Her*

Sponsor Her is a joint community-support initiative of SMMAGS Old Girls Abuja Chapter and Diamond Ladies Class of ’93 Alumni. The initiative promotes menstrual dignity, health education and sustained support for girls, beginning at their alma mater in Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State.

Media Contact

Chinezerem Agbakuru
Communications Lead, Sponsor Her Menstrual Care Initiative
0803 825 4694