World Menstrual Day: Foundation equips students in Lagos on alternative hygiene measures
To assist them overcome challenges of maintaining hygiene above limitations of financial constraints, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), E Muinat Eniola (EME) on Friday sensitised and empowered students from less privileged homes in Lagos on how to manage menstrual cycle hygiene to circumvent limitations of poverty.
The sensitisation programme which took place at Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos was organised to mark this year’s International Day on Menstrual Hygiene, themed ‘Reusable Pads: Means of Ending Period Poverty,’.
The Foundation designed its programme to educate the girls and equip them with skills in taking care of their menstrual cycle without financial difficulty.
The Covener, Edun Muinat Eniola said, “we understand the issue of poverty that surrounds menstrual cycle. So, we are having this sensitisation programme and empowerment.”
On alternative measures they could employ to keep hygiene, she mentioned “the use of thread and niddle, they can also get used ankara (fabrics) and tailoring materials.”
“All these will go a long way to make use of reusable pads and address poverty,” she said.
According to her, “the programme is not just ending in this hall” but “the students will go back to their churches and mosques to teach others.”
She noted that the organisation hoped to partner with the State Government, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals and Investment Office to get the message across to the young ones.
“The message is also for the parents and to the communities in our advocacy,” she said.
The project coordinator, Titilayo Ojulari noted: “We know the importance of menstruation in our life cycle. Without menstruation, there won’t be procreation. We have a lot of women that have no children because of menstrual failure.”
She, therefore, stated that menstrual cycle is a biological right that the young girls should not be ashamed of.
“It will further help you to achieve that vision you have already set for yourself.
“There are challenges that will come in life but when you stand firm with your core values and you know who you are, you stand firm, you will be able to achieve your goals,” a resource guest at the event, Aderonke Oyelakin told the students on the highlight of the orientation course.
“”I’m happy to be here today, celebrating with the children. It has to do with how our girls take care of their personal hygienes and for them to have life skills and core values.
“We have over 200 students here today. The use of reusable pads and getting your life skills right. So they need to also understand that women are being abused here and there and they should be protected,” she added.
Oyelakin stressed that boys were also invited to attend the programme, saying “they have to know that they are male champions and not use their masculinity negatively.”
A female student at Ikeja Grammar School, Okeyemi Sunmisola expressed delight over the programme.
She said, “I have learnt that I don’t have to be ashamed of my menstrual cycle. I’m ready to go out there and teach others what I have learnt here today.”
Also, Faronbi Daniel, Male, of the same school said, “I have learnt how to relate with girls during their menstruation.”
