Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering the Nigerian girl-child through health education and essential support by distributing hygiene items to female students of Kuramo and Victoria Island Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Lagos.

The initiative is part of the bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day activities and forms a key component of its ongoing Adolescent Health and Hygiene Support Programme.

Through the Girl-Child Support and Hygiene Education Initiative, Polaris Bank aims to enhance menstrual hygiene awareness, boost confidence and dignity among young girls, and reduce school absenteeism caused by lack of access to sanitary products.

At the event, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head of Customer Experience & Value Management at Polaris Bank, delivered a practical health talk. She highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation and daily life, advising students on personal care practices such as correct use of sanitary pads, wearing clean underwear daily, and regular washing and use of deodorants, particularly during puberty.

“Your body is precious, and how you care for it affects your confidence and wellbeing,” Mrs. Oluyadi told the students. “Good hygiene is about more than looking clean—it’s about staying healthy, feeling comfortable, and showing up confidently in school and beyond.” She also encouraged the girls to adopt lifelong healthy habits, understand their bodies, and speak confidently about their health needs.

Also attending the event was Polaris Bank’s Non-Executive Director, Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, who delivered a motivational session on self-care, confidence, and personal presentation. She emphasized that caring for one’s appearance and hygiene is vital to building a successful future. “A clean girl equals a successful woman,” Giwa-Amu stated. “Success is not just about academics; it’s also about how you present yourself. First impressions matter, and self-care should be a daily practice.”

She urged the students to cultivate self-confidence, remain self-assured, and maintain personal hygiene as they transition into womanhood. “Confidence starts with knowing who you are and being proud of yourself,” she added. “When you take care of your body, you command respect, and others notice that confidence in how you speak, walk, and carry yourself.”

Polaris Bank affirmed that its commitment to supporting the girl-child aligns with its broader sustainability and CSR strategy, which focuses on empowering young girls through education, access to learning materials, and social support systems that enhance their health and academic outcomes.