Menstrual Hygiene Day: NRHJN Sensitizes 100 School Girls in Lagos …Distributes Free Reusable Sanitary Pads to Tackle Period Poverty, Promote Health and Wellbeing

Network of Reproductive Health Journalists, Nigeria (NRHJN ) Lagos State Chapter  commemorated the menstrual hygiene day on June 15 with about 100 students of Iju Senior Grammar School Obawole, Lagos State  where the network engaged the students on public education conversation in making menstruation their normal way of life as it debunked myths, stereotypes and stigma associated with menstruation.

In her opening remarks, the NRHJN Lagos State Chapter Coordinator, Ms Kikelomo Oduyebo called on government and the private sector to subsidize the price of sanitary pad so it can be affordable for girls especially those from vulnerable, poor and low income homes and communities.

Oduyebo said the MHD program was the second edition of the NRHJN Lagos State Chapter public health education program in bridging the communication gap on sexual and reproductive health issues for adolescent girls to achieve SDGs goals 1, 3, 4 and 5 on zero period poverty, good health and wellbeing, quality education and gender equality for school girls, as well as end stereotypes, stigma and taboos associated with menstruation.

Dr, Yeside Shogbamimu, Consultant Physician, Adolescent Health Unit Coordinator of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, LSMoH spoke on the topic – Menstrual Hygiene as Gateway to Total Health. She urged the students to see their monthly cycle as part of their biological process and not something to be  ashamed of.

Dr Adeola Obasanya, the Adolescent Health Officer of Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, in a presentation on “Why Adolescent Girls Need Support System at Home, School and the Society During Menstruation” encouraged the students to always talk to their parents, school counsels anytime they need support during their menstruation especially if it’s a painful process. She urged them to always change their sanitary pads every six hours to avoid germs and infections which can develop due to poor hygiene during their menstruation.

In her presentation on “How Right Sanitary Pads Enhances Good Menstrual Health”, the Convener of Sanitary Pads Media Campaign (SPMC) Ms Anike-ade Funke Treasure said she was happy to be part of the special day to commemorate the MHD 2022 as it signals the first flag off of the distribution of re-usable pads by SPMC in its promotion of menstrual hygiene and fight against period poverty.

In her speech which was delivered by Ms Julie Ekong, a Director, News, of Radio Nigeria, the Convener of SPMC identified consistent supply of good sanitary pads as a way of enhancing good Menstrual Health and promoting period dignity.

Dr Keziah Awosika, the executive director of women, law and development center, Nigeria and Chairman of the occasion called on government and every school to make water available in school public toilets and good hygiene practices among the students at all times.

Highpoints of the event was the distribution of free reusable sanitary pads to about 100 students by the NRHJN through a donation from Sanitary Pads Media Campaign (SPMC)

Meanwhile, the Principal of Iju Senior Grammar School, Obawole, Lagos State, Mrs Olabisi Shyllon appreciated the gesture and assured that the students would always have access to good toilet facilities with water supply and a robust support system in school during their menstruation. She added that no girl child would have any cause to miss school activities during their menstruation nor endure stigma or stereotypes under her watch .

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