A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Development Initiative for Youth Excellence, Progress, and Stability, has called on the government to intervene in providing affordable menstrual products to girls, particularly those in underserved communities.
The programme convener, Ambassador Courage Chigere Uchechi, at the menstrual hygiene awareness event held in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasised that menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of girls‘ health and education. Access to affordable menstrual products can help reduce absenteeism and improve overall well-being.
According to her, many girls in Nigeria miss school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to affordable menstrual products. This can lead to poor academic performance, increased dropout rates, and long-term consequences for their health and well-being.
Ambassador Courage urged the government to provide subsidies or funding to make menstrual products more affordable and accessible to girls.
She said the NGO has been running a menstrual health hygiene program for seven years, targeting schools in various states, including Lagos, Abia, Imo, and Abuja.
She emphasised that training a girl child is crucial for nation-building and that menstrual hygiene is essential for women‘s health and reproduction, saying the NGO currently works with 20 schools and almost 1,000 girls, providing them with menstrual packages, including pads, tissues, toothpaste, and food.
She called on the government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Senate, and the House of Representatives to support NGOs working on menstrual health hygiene.
The keynote speaker, who doubled as an Educator, entertainer, and entrepreneur from BB Niger, Anto Lucky, said menstrual hygiene is not a stigma; it is a medical definition of being a woman.
According to her, behind our menstrual hygiene, we must take care of other forms of health, such as inner health. Women should be proud of their menstrual cycle and be confident in themselves.
Also, wellness advocate, Neme Conan-Orisakwe said Irregular menstrual cycles can be a sign of a larger health issue. Girls and women must know their menstrual cycles and report any irregularities to their doctor.
„Painful periods can also be a sign of an underlying health issue. Women should not hesitate to speak to a doctor if they experience severe menstrual cramps or other symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term health consequences, urging women to prioritise their reproductive health and seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their menstrual cycles.
