Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiatives (EHWEI) has called for integration of menstrual hygiene education in curriculum as well as establishment of Menstrual hygiene clubs in schools.
Programme 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 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 healthy and dignified experience.
She said: “Menstrual Hygiene is a critical aspect of women’s and girls’ health, dignity and well-being.
“In many communities, female students face significant barriers to managing their menstruation safely and hygienically, leading to health risks, stigma and missed educational opportunities.
“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 uterus down to your vagina. The menstrual cycle varies among individuals and you have to know how to calculate it for each month.
“The way we dispose our used sanitary pad matters. It’s important you know how to dispose your pads properly and also on no account should a girl stay with a pad more than 8hours, it should be changed as often as possible depending on the menstrual flow.”
Paul further advised the students not to use tissue papers, cotton wool and pieces of clothes during menstrual period, adding that such act could lead to medical complications.
“Although some sanitary pads are expensive, that should not be an excuse to use tissue papers, cotton wool and pieces of clothes during menstrual period as it can lead to medical complications.
“That is why Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiative are here to teach and distribute sanitary pads free to you. We will do our best to ensure that the future and vision of the girl child is protected,” she added.
