Follow Us on Google
By Vivian Onyebukwa
Aiyekusehin Monisola is the Strategy Lead and Founder of Betharbel Foundation, a non-profit organisation creating a bright future for the African woman and child. With over seven years experience as a social innovator working across sectors such as sexual and reproductive health, education and climate change, she has impacted over 2000 students and 1500 women through her work and increased profit for 100 women through her Bethpad project.
She is interested in inclusive education, climate change and international development. Over the past two years, she has been working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and is passionate about ensuring that the IDP children get quality education through the free tuition project of Betharbel Foundation for the IDP children. A Fellow of African Change Maker, an Ambassador for Women Health With Days For Girls International, and Change with Save And Nurture The Child Foundation, Monisola earned her masters’ degree in International Relations from the University of Benin in 2018.
In this interview, she speaks about her organisation, issues surrounding women, children and health.
What led to you founding the NGO
I started Betharbel Foundation because I was passionate about putting smiles on the faces of people and leaving them better than I met them. Having survived a ten-year violent marriage, I knew firsthand that women and children are victims of so many ills in our society. This is what fuelled my passion to become a voice for the voiceless and help create a bright future for the African woman and child.
How did you come about the name Betharbel?
The name Betharbel was an inspiration. It’s a Bible name meaning House of God’s Court in Hosea 10:14. It was seen as a place of great military exploit. I chose the name because I believe anyone who encounters Betharbel Foundation will experience one exploit or another.
How long has it been in existence?
We started operation in 2018. But the association was officially incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2020.
Tell us about some of the projects you’ve carried out.
We have carried out projects in Bayelsa and Abuja. We have also done menstrual hygiene projects in five secondary schools in Bayelsa, hand wash campaigns in five primary schools and seven secondary schools in Bayelsa. Others include vocational skills training in Yenegoa community, COVID 19 education in schools and communities within Bayelsa State, provision of COVID relief materials to 200 aged women and single mums at IDP camp in Osiri Bayelsa State. We have also done Facemask drive for 2000 people in Swali Market, pad bank for girls in kuchiyako community, Kuje, menstrual health and hygiene education with pad bank for school girls. Our organisation’s Beth Pad Project for IDPs is still ongoing. Then there are schools for IDP’s kids. This is our latest project.
What do you have to say about the notion that there are too many NGOs out there focusing on girl-child and women?
There may be too many NGOs focusing on the girl-child and women. But I believe that every NGO has its own thematic area or core pillar because there are many aspects an NGO can work on the girl-child and women. This they can do in line with the United Nation’s sustainable development goals. I see all these NGOs as partners in progress. There is so much impact to be made and lives to be transformed. As long as these NGOs are actively making impact, then there is no cause for alarm.
Tell us more about Betharbel Recycling Initiative
Betharbel Recycling is a social enterprise that recycles tyres and plastics into sustainable eco-friendly products. I started Betharbel Recycling in my quest to help solve environmental problems caused by waste and clogged waterways resulting from single use plastics and tyres.
What’s Beth-Pad Projects on reusable pads all about? Shed more light on the process of the reusable pads.
In many rural communities, women and girls do not have easy access to sanitary pads or hygiene products. These products are a necessity. But unfortunately, many women and girls resort to using rags as their only option. This can lead to health problems. The Beth Pad project is a reusable eco-friendly sanitary pad which can last for two years. Our aim is to help solve the problem of period poverty. During the course of the project, we teach the women and girls menstrual hygiene and also how to properly care for the pads. It’s a do-it-yourself process. The women are taught how to make their own pads using towels and cotton materials instead of using rags or pieces of materials.
Why reusable? Does it have anything to do with the economy, innovation or what?
Disposable pads create a lot of waste that ends up in the landfill, and most of these pads are non-biodegradable. They pollute the environment. As someone concerned with saving the environment, I chose to work on reusable pads. Also considering the economy, we would understand that most people in the rural community cannot afford the price of disposable sanitary pads.
How healthy is this?
It is very healthy and comfortable as long as the right materials cotton is used. This is because, not all materials are healthy. So we must always ensure that cotton materials are used.
Do you have a health education background or what brought about your interest in health?
I don’t have health education background. But I did a lot of health and hygiene training during COVID. I also took training with Days For Girls International, an award-winning international NGO that turns periods into pathways.
What do you think the government can do to elevate the status of women?
I believe there should be more support from government for NGOs working with women at the grassroots. This would go a long way to help elevate the status of women in the society.
What was growing up like?
I grew up in an average family. My both parents were civil servants and it was a struggle giving me and my three other siblings the best of education and putting food on the table. My parents had to do other odd jobs in addition to their government job to ensure we get quality education. These experiences fuelled my passion to ensuring I help the vulnerable around me and put smiles on the less privileged.
Tell us some of your memorable life experiences
Escaping rape as an undergraduate in my 3rd year specifically, 11th February, 2007, surviving a violent marriage for ten years, and finding courage to finally walk out of abuse in 2020 with my five kids.
Do you collaborate with other NGOs?
Yes I do. For most of our programs, we have constantly collaborated with Let Your Light Shine Foundation, and Strategy And Innovation For Development Initiative. We are still open to collaborate with other NGOs because we believe we are all partners in development.
How do you fund the organisation?
At inception, it was self-funded, but after a while, we began to get support from individuals, partners and organisations.
Do you receive grants from abroad?
No. We have never.
Is government aware of your NGO?
Yes, we are fully incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Where are you from?
I am from Lagos State.
