Did you know that over 37 million women and girls of reproductive age in Nigeria lack access to menstrual hygiene products due to a lack of funds? Period poverty is a global problem but is more prevalent in developing countries. Today, girls are still stigmatized and excluded because of a normal bodily function.
Understanding this challenge, South Saharan Social Development Organization, in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria, is playing its part in changing the narrative. To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day this year under the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World.”
The team organized a 2-day menstrual hygiene management education and sanitary pad-making program at Community Secondary School, Iva Valley, Enugu.
Stakeholders present include Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani, Commissioner for Children, Gender, and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Special Adviser on Donor Relations, Hon. Dubem Onyia, Senior Special Assistant on Social Culture, Dera Okenwa, WaterAid Country Director, Evelyn Mere represented by the Enugu State Team Lead, Mr. Solomon Akpanufot among other dignitaries.
The event was an opportunity to trigger the government and secure their buy-in on menstrual hygiene policy and guidelines.
Students were taught in a participatory and inclusive approach on how to make reusable sanitary pads. The school outreach was an opportunity to raise awareness and promote proper menstrual hygiene practices among female students. Male students were also sensitized as brothers, future fathers, and uncles so they knew how to help out.
They were taught not to stigmatize or mock their female counterpart. The engagement increased knowledge and understanding of menstrual hygiene, debunked myths and misconceptions, and challenged stigmas surrounding menstruation.
