The Bauchi State Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Tuesday trained and sensitised over 40 adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene and health education.
The one-day sensitisation event, held at the Palace of the Village Head of Tirwun in Bauchi local government area, was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office, as part of the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, themed “Accelerate Action.”
Speaking, state NAWOJ chairperson Rashida Yusuf emphasised the importance of menstrual health education for adolescent girls, particularly in rural communities.
She stated that empowering young girls with knowledge about menstruation and hygiene fosters confidence and well-being, contributing to a healthier society.
“The participants of this training are adolescent girls aged 14 to 18, one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities.
Their hygiene education is crucial, which is why we chose them,” Yusuf explained.
She commended the Village Head of Tirwun for supporting the initiative and allowing NAWOJ to hold the training within his palace.
Murjanatu Mohammed, a health worker, stressed the importance of cleanliness during menstruation to prevent infections.
She recommended the use of reusable sanitary pads as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to disposable ones.
Another health expert, Hauwa Mohammed, guided the girls through the process of making reusable sanitary pads at home.
She also advised them not to use a reusable pad for more than three months, regardless of its appearance, to avoid infections.
“Menstruation is not a disease; it is a natural process. Stigma around menstruation must be eliminated to ensure that girls receive proper menstrual health education,” Hauwa Mohammed emphasised.
For his part, the Village Head of Tirwun, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Tirwun, praised NAWOJ for bringing the sensitization programme to his community, describing it as timely and essential. He assured that his palace would always be open for such educational initiatives.
Fathers who attended the session also expressed their appreciation for the training, acknowledging that hygiene is essential for the well-being of girls and women. They encouraged the adolescent participants to apply the lessons learned.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Jamila Mohammed and Nafisa Ibrahim, expressed their gratitude for the training, highlighting that it was the first time such a session had been held in their community.
“We are happy that this training is happening here. Menstruation is rarely discussed, but today, we see our traditional leaders and men supporting this sensitisation. It is truly a blessing for us,” they said.
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