A women’s rights group, the Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiatives (EHWEI) is seeking the integration of menstrual hygiene education in the curriculum of schools, as a way of ensuring that young girls maintain healthy living.
They are also calling for the establishment of Menstrual hygiene clubs in schools.
The Program Officer, Gloria Paul made the call during a training workshop at Zion Vocational College, Ebonyi State to mark International Day for a Girl Child, themed, “Girl’s Vision For the Future”.
The event witnessed the free distribution of sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene kits to over 100 female students.
Paul said the workshop is aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, management and accessibility among female students as well as ensuring a healthy and dignified experience.
Describing Menstrual Hygiene as a critical aspect of women’s and girls’ health, dignity, and well-being, Paul regretted that in many communities, female students face significant barriers to managing their menstruation safely and hygienically, leading to health risks, stigma, and missed educational opportunities.
She said; “EHWEI has her mission as working with vulnerable women and girls in promoting their sexual reproductive health and rights through empowerment, strategic engagement, effective education and policy influence initiated the Menstrual Hygiene activity to address these challenges and promote a healthy and supportive environment for female students.
“Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the uterus down to your vagina and the menstrual cycle varies among individuals and taught them how to calculate it for each month.
“It’s important you know how to dispose of your pads properly and also on no account should a girl stay with a pad more than 8 hours. It should be changed as often as possible depending on the menstrual flow.”
Paul further advised the students not to use tissue paper, cotton wool, and pieces of clothes during the menstrual period, stressing that such acts could lead to medical complications.
She said although some sanitary pads are expensive, that should not be an excuse to use tissue paper, cotton wool, and pieces of clothes during the menstrual period as it can lead to medical complications.
According to her, that was why Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiative was reaching out and distributing sanitary pads free to young girls.
“We will do our best to ensure that the future and vision of the girl child is protected,” she added.
