Network of Reproductive Health Journalists, Nigeria (NRHJN) Lagos State chapter, recently commemorated the Menstrual Hygiene Day with about 100 students of Iju Senior Grammar School, Obawole, Lagos State, and the group engaged the students in public education conversation in making menstruation their normal way of life as it debunked myths, stereotypes and stigma associated with menstruation.
Addressing the students, the NRHJN Lagos State chapter coordinator, Ms Kikelomo Oduyebo, called on government and the private sector to subsidize the price of sanitary pads so they would be affordable for schoolgirls, especially those from vulnerable, poor and low-income homes and communities.
Oduyebo said the MHD programme was the second edition of the NRHJN Lagos State chapter public health education programme in bridging the communication gap on sexual and reproductive health issues for adolescent girls so as to achieve SDGs goals 1, 3, 4 and 5 on zero period poverty, good health and wellbeing, quality education and gender equality for schoolgirls as well ending stereotypes, stigma and taboos associated with menstruation.
Consultant (physician) adolescent health unit coordinator of the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMoH), Dr. Yeside Shogbamimu, who spoke on “Menstrual Hygiene as Gateway to Total Health,” advised the female students to see their monthly cycle as part of their biological process and not something to be ashamed of.
The adolescent health officer of Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Adeola Obasanya, in her presentation, “Why Adolescent Girls Need Support System at Home, school and the Society During Menstruation,” encouraged the schoolgirls to always talk to their parents, school counsels anytime they need support during their mensuration, 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 mensuration.
In her presentation on “How Right Sanitary Pads enhance 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 signalled the first kick-off of the distribution of re-usable pads by SPMC in promoting menstrual hygiene and fight against period poverty.
In her speech, delivered by Ms Julie Ekong, the 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.
The Executive Director of Women, Law and Development Center, Nigeria, Dr. Keziah Awosika called on government and schools to make water available in school public toilets and good hygiene practices among the students at all times.
Meanwhile, the Principal of Iju Senior Grammar School, Obawole, Lagos State, Mrs. Olabisi Shyllon, appreciated the gesture and assured that the female students would always have access to good toilet facilities with water supply and a robust support system in school during their mensuration.
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.