Zenith Bank Offers Support to Women in Benue IDP Camps

Zenith Bank Plc is extending a vital lifeline to vulnerable women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, Nigeria. The bank's intervention addresses critical issues of menstrual hygiene and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), aiming to restore dignity and hope amidst hardship.

Thousands of women and girls in these camps face daily uncertainty, with limited access to basic healthcare and essential hygiene products. The "Protect the Dignity of Our Females" project, a collaboration with the Marymine Mother’s Care Initiative Network (MMCIN), directly tackles these challenges. It provides not only crucial menstrual hygiene materials but also raises awareness about SGBV.

This initiative goes beyond typical corporate social responsibility by addressing often-overlooked needs during humanitarian emergencies. The lack of sanitary products and reproductive health information can hinder education, health, and community participation for displaced women and girls. Overcrowded camp conditions also heighten their risk of abuse and exploitation.

By supporting this program, Zenith Bank is helping to create safer spaces and empower women and girls to protect themselves and speak out against abuse. The project includes educational sessions to dispel myths about menstrual health and encourage survivors to seek help without stigma. This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those concerning Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.