Period poverty meets leadership gap as NAFA targets 1,500 girls with sports-led intervention

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.

Organisers say the project is designed to provide a more holistic response by tackling both social and health barriers while introducing participants to leadership training and organised sports.

Operating under the theme, “Sports, Mentorship, Leadership and Menstrual Health: A Holistic Approach to Developing the Girl Child,” the initiative seeks to equip girls with the confidence, skills and support networks needed to thrive academically, socially and professionally.

A major component of the programme is the creation of a mentorship network that connects participants with experienced professionals from sectors including education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, media, sports and public leadership.

Unlike short-term outreach programmes, organisers say the mentorship structure is intended to foster lasting relationships that can help young girls navigate educational opportunities, career pathways and personal development challenges.

Alongside the mentorship effort, Gridiron GEMS is distributing sanitary pads and hygiene kits through a partnership with Pads for Her Initiative, targeting communities where access to menstrual hygiene products remains limited.

Beneficiaries receive kits containing sanitary pads, sanitary towels, roll-on deodorants, educational materials, bags and affirmation cards designed to promote self-esteem and personal growth.

The campaign also includes menstrual hygiene education sessions aimed at breaking myths surrounding menstruation and encouraging healthy practices among adolescent girls.

For many development experts, period poverty remains a major but often overlooked contributor to educational inequality. Limited access to menstrual hygiene products can force girls to miss school, reduce participation in extracurricular activities and undermine confidence during critical stages of development.

By integrating menstrual health support with mentorship and sports, Gridiron GEMS is attempting to address multiple challenges simultaneously.

Participants are also introduced to flag football, a non-contact version of American football that organisers believe can help build teamwork, resilience, discipline and leadership skills.

The initiative reflects a growing trend among sports organisations globally to use athletic programmes as platforms for social development rather than focusing solely on competition.

Speaking on the programme, Nancy Damhindi, Coordinator of the Gridiron GEMS Initiative and Vice President (Administration) of NAFA, said the organisation’s objective extends far beyond sports participation.

“Gridiron GEMS is not just about sports. It is about helping girls discover their voice, build confidence, develop leadership skills and access opportunities that can shape their future. Through mentorship and menstrual health support, we are creating a pathway that allows girls to show up fully, dream boldly and participate without limitations,” she said.

According to her, girls who receive support across health, education and personal development are better positioned to succeed and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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The programme’s expansion to Abuja and Imo State is expected to bring hundreds of additional girls into the initiative through school activations, mentorship sessions and community outreach activities.

As conversations around gender inclusion and youth empowerment gain momentum across Nigeria, programmes such as Gridiron GEMS are increasingly highlighting the role sports can play in addressing broader social challenges.

For NAFA, the goal is not only to introduce more girls to American football but also to create a support system that helps them overcome barriers that often prevent them from reaching their full potential.

The association is calling on corporate organisations, development partners, foundations and individuals to support the initiative through sponsorships, sanitary product donations, mentorship participation and community partnerships.

“Together, we can ensure that every girl has what she needs to show up, step up and lead,” Damhindi said.