Stakeholders Caution Against Stigmatising Menstruating Girls

As part of efforts to promote menstrual hygiene among girls in schools, stakeholders have called for proper orientation and support to help young girls manage their periods safely, hygienically, and free from embarrassment.

They stated this during a one-day summit on the state of the Nigerian girl child, organised by RippleAfrica Trust Foundation under the theme “Educating the Nigerian Girl on Menstrual Hygiene Practices,” in Abuja.

The foundation’s founder, Barr. Ikechukwu Felix Ibeto, said the theme was championed to sensitise young girls on menstrual hygiene as it strongly believed that by fostering an understanding of menstrual health, they are contributing to creating a healthier environment for every girl, irrespective of her educational background.

“Because we believe menstruation is a gift to women and must be treated as such, we are inviting all well-meaning corporate organizations and individuals to join hands in supporting the cause of the girl child. Your collective efforts can bring about a transformative impact, shaping a better world for everyone.

“These seven days’ awareness campaign which culminates in today’s summit which will feature interactive sessions on the state of the Nigerian girl child is a testament to our commitment to comprehensive education.

“The past few days have also been eventful as we’ve visited schools, carried out community outreaches, and donated sanitary pads to indigent communities aligns with our broader strategy to give back to society and contribute to the noble cause of bringing adolescent girls back to school,” he said.

Presenting her speech, the founder and executive director of Pad-Up Africa, Ashley Lori said menstruation is a topic that should be mentioned across every sector.

She cautioned people against stigmatising adolescent girls during their menstruation, noting that there is a need to engage boys and men to let them know that menstruation is natural.

“We need to tell the people around us and teach them the right things to do. If we make every public school to have accessible facilities for girls, the number of girls will increase in schools,” she said.