By Joy Robinson
The Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, has marked this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a significant outreach event at Oredo Girls Junior Secondary School. The initiative was aimed at raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and supporting young girls in managing their menstrual health with dignity.
The event which was held at the school premises in Benin City, saw the distribution of sanitary pads to some students. This effort aligns with NAWOJ’s broader mission to tackle the challenges surrounding menstrual health faced by girls and women, which remain a pressing issue in many parts of Nigeria due to cultural stigma, lack of education and limited access to sanitary products.
Comrade Ehimuan while addressing the students, stressed the significance of menstrual hygiene and the importance of open discussions about menstruation.
According to her “Menstrual health is a crucial aspect of women’s health and well-being. No girl should feel ashamed or miss school because of her period. By providing these sanitary pads, we hope to make a small but significant impact on your lives.”
The distribution of the sanitary pads was greeted with enthusiasm and gratitude from the students and staff. Many students expressed relief and happiness at receiving the sanitary pads, recognizing the positive impact on their school attendance and daily comfort. The Principal of Oredo Girls Junior Secondary School, Mrs. Agbonkhese O. G, praised NAWOJ’s efforts and emphasized the ongoing need for such support.
“This gesture significantly supports our girls. It helps them to stay in school and participate fully in their education without the interruption and embarrassment that often comes with inadequate menstrual hygiene management,” she said.
The commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day by Edo NAWOJ is a testament to the association’s commitment to advocating for women’s rights and health issues.
Comrade lEhimuan reaffirmed Edo NAWOJ’s commitment to continuing such initiatives, stressing the need for broader societal changes to ensure that menstrual health becomes a normalized and supported aspect of women’s lives.
As the Menstrual Hygiene Day draws attention to the importance of menstrual health worldwide, Edo NAWOJ’s efforts at Oredo Girls Junior Secondary School serves as a beacon of progress, highlighting the positive impact that informed and compassionate advocacy can have on communities.
Discussion about this post