Mseve Initiative is committed to creating a world where no woman or girl faces the challenges of period poverty, fostering dignity, education, and health. Our focus is on underprivileged and marginalized young girls and women, and the aged in specific regions of Nigeria. Since the inception of Mseve, we have been striving to impact young girls and women through school outreach, workshops, and empowerment programs.
In our pursuit of sustainable impact, we actively seek collaborations with local businesses, NGOs, and government agencies to enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives. We envision strategic partnerships with educational institutions to seamlessly integrate menstrual hygiene education into the curriculum. Additionally, strategic collaborations with associated key stakeholders including sanitary product manufacturers will ensure a sustainable supply chain for our programs.
Our funding model aims for sustainability through a combination of grants, partnerships, and individual donations. We are exploring income-generating projects and social enterprises to support ongoing activities. This approach enables us to diversify our funding sources, ensuring the long-term viability and reach of Mseve Initiative in the mission to overcome period poverty in Nigeria.
Menstrual hygiene is a global challenge, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. It has an impact on 1.9 billion individuals, constituting a quarter of the world’s population. In Nigeria, where Mseve Initiative is anchored, a 2019 study by the University of Leeds revealed that 37% of women and girls face period poverty. Economic hardships compound this issue, as women, on average, use over 9,000 sanitary products in their lifetimes, placing a significant burden on those already experiencing poverty. This dilemma has perpetuated centuries of stigma, shame, and compromised physical and mental health globally.
Founded in September 2020 by Vivian Ugba, Mseve Initiative is a response to the dire need for addressing women’s menstrual health and eradicating period poverty in Nigeria. With a deep commitment to ensuring the girl child’s right to healthy living, Mseve operates as a multifaceted support system that extends beyond schools, aiming to create a culture of hygiene consciousness while shielding women and young girls from stigmatization. The initiative stands at the intersection of societal impact, aiming to influence perceptions and mitigate the impacts of period poverty on both an individual and societal level.
A 2019 report by the University of Leeds Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development positions Nigeria with a 37% rate of women and girls experiencing period poverty, ranking second only to Ethiopia’s 41%. These statistics underscore the urgency and relevance of Mseve Initiative’s mission to alleviate the burden of period poverty in the Nigerian context, forming the foundation for targeted and impactful interventions.
Period poverty, with its roots in economic hardship, goes beyond financial strain. It intertwines with broader issues of public health and well-being, manifesting in chronic infections and mental health challenges. Mseve Initiative recognizes the urgency of addressing these interconnected challenges. Beyond reducing period poverty, the initiative focuses on breaking the cycle of infections arising from non-hygienic practices and safeguarding women and girls from severe health issues, including infertility.
Mseve Initiative is driven by a dedicated and diverse team of professionals committed to realizing our vision of a world where no woman or girl faces the challenges of period poverty. Our team brings together individuals with expertise in various fields, united by a shared passion for women’s health and empowerment.
Our team comprises experienced international development experts and seasoned professionals, including Nurses, Doctors, Psychologists, and health workers who have graciously volunteered their time and expertise. Their collective experience forms the backbone of our initiatives, ensuring that our programs are not only impactful but also rooted in medical and psychological best practices.
Every member of our team is aligned with the mission of Mseve Initiative, contributing their skills and knowledge selflessly. From organizing school outreach programs to facilitating workshops and awareness campaigns, our team works tirelessly to address the multifaceted challenges of period poverty and menstrual health in Nigeria.
The little success of Mseve Initiative so far is not only attributed to the expertise of our team but also to the goodwill support we have received from members of the public, especially friends and associates of the Initiative. Their contributions, both in cash and in-kind, have played a crucial role in the success of our outings and campaigns.