January 21, (THEWILL) – From her base in Germany, Stéphannie Onyeche, founder of She Inc., reflects on how her grandparents’ legacy of compassion inspired her non-profit organisation’s mission to combat period poverty in Nigeria.
With over 30 million girls and women in the country unable to afford sanitary products, She Inc. provides free sanitary pads and panty liners to school girls and underserved communities, focusing particularly on teenagers in Lagos.
“My grandparents didn’t just help people—they embodied compassion.
“During the Nigerian Civil War, Chief B.O. Nnadi and Lady Juliana Nnadi transformed their home into a refuge for displaced persons, offering food, shelter, and hope to those who had lost everything. Their example taught me the importance of providing what is essential, even when it demands personal sacrifice,” Onyeche recalled in an interview with THEWILL.
This ethos drives She Inc.’s unique focus on addressing the often-overlooked challenge of period poverty.
She explained, “Menstruation is not a choice, but society’s response to it is.
“Period poverty isn’t just about lacking access to sanitary products; it’s about missed school days, health risks, embarrassment, and stigma. At She Inc., we aim to break these barriers and restore dignity to girls and women.”
Every month, the organisation distributes free sanitary pads and panty liners to girls in schools and communities across Lagos.
Onyeche said, “Our work ensures that education is not interrupted by something as natural as menstruation.
“By addressing this basic need, we empower girls to focus on their studies, pursue their dreams, and thrive in their communities.”
For Onyeche, this mission is deeply personal.
She said, “Every time I distribute a sanitary pad or advocate against period poverty, I think of my grandparents.
“Their sacrifices during the Civil War and their unwavering dedication to helping the vulnerable inspire everything we do at She Inc.”
Beyond charity, She Inc. is working to shift societal perceptions of menstruation.
Onyeche said, “Our goal is to foster awareness, educate communities, and break the silence around menstruation.
“We envision a future where no girl is held back because she cannot afford sanitary products.”
Despite the scale of the challenge, Onyeche remains hopeful.
She stated, “My grandparents showed that a single family’s compassion can change lives.
“Now imagine what we can achieve if we all work together. She Inc. is not just an organisation; it is a movement to ensure no girl is hindered by something as natural as menstruation.”
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
