Menstrual health advocate and social entrepreneur Tabitha Arenson Abimiku, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Virtuous Reusable Pads, has been honored with the Menstrual Health Trailblazer Award at the Wellness Cycle Conference, organized by Dear Ambitious Girl, a New York City–based organization led by its Founder, Miss Lola, and her team.
The recognition celebrates Abimiku’s years of leadership, grassroots advocacy, and sustained impact in advancing menstrual health, dignity, and access to sustainable period care solutions for women and girls, particularly in underserved communities. The award also acknowledges her continued contribution to shaping conversations and action around women’s wellness through the Wellness Cycle platform.
Alongside Abimiku, two other outstanding changemakers were also recognized for their contributions to women’s health and wellbeing. Dr. Temitope Adeola Akinsemoyin, MPA, DSML, Ch. GHRA, was honored for her leadership and impact in health systems strengthening, human resources for health, and strategic health management. Her work continues to influence policy, institutional capacity, and equitable access to quality healthcare services.
Yemisi Benson, a licensed Clinical Psychologist, was also recognized for her commitment to advancing mental health awareness and care, particularly for women and girls. Through her clinical practice and advocacy, Benson has played a critical role in promoting psychosocial wellbeing, breaking stigma around mental health, and supporting holistic approaches to women’s health.
The Wellness Cycle Conference brought together over 200 females from diverse backgrounds for conversations centered on health, empowerment, and holistic wellbeing in Lagos, Nigeria. The event served as a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and collaboration, with sessions addressing menstrual health, mental wellness, leadership, and self-care across different life stages.
As part of the conference programme, Tabitha Arenson Abimiku was featured as a speaker and facilitated a session titled “Period Care, Done Right: Hygiene Essentials.” During the session, she shared practical insights on menstrual hygiene management, the importance of dignity and choice in period care, and the role of sustainable menstrual products in promoting health, environmental responsibility, and economic empowerment.
Speaking on the recognition and the ongoing partnership with Dear Ambitious Girl, Abimiku expressed deep appreciation to the organization and its leadership for their continued trust and collaboration. The 2025 Wellness Cycle Conference marked two years of partnership between Virtuous Reusable Pads and Dear Ambitious Girl, rooted in a shared commitment to moving menstrual health conversations from awareness to action and community-driven impact.
“It brings me immense joy to see how far this work has come — from conversations to communities, and from awareness to real, measurable change,” Abimiku said. “This recognition represents the collective efforts of partners, advocates, and the females whose lives continue to be positively impacted by this work. It reminds us that when we work together, we can create lasting solutions that uphold dignity and wellbeing for all.”
Through Virtuous Reusable Pads, Abimiku continues to champion menstrual dignity by expanding access to affordable, reusable menstrual products, delivering menstrual health education, and engaging stakeholders in policy and community dialogue on menstrual equity. Her work has contributed to reducing period poverty, improving school attendance, and strengthening confidence and agency among girls and women.
The recognition of Dr. Temitope Adeola Akinsemoyin and Yemisi Benson alongside Abimiku highlights the importance of a holistic approach to women’s health — one that integrates physical health, mental wellbeing, strong health systems, and community-based solutions. Together, the awardees exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the wellbeing of women and girls.
The Wellness Cycle Conference concluded with a renewed call for collaboration, sustained partnerships, and inclusive education to drive progress in women’s health globally. The awards underscored the critical role of advocates, practitioners, and social entrepreneurs in shaping healthier, more equitable futures for women and girls across communities.
