On May 28, we hosted a Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Day as part of our annual Menstrual Hygiene Awareness campaign. The event was held at one of our partner schools, JSS Gbessa-Sauka and was themed: We Need to Step Up Action & Invest in Menstrual Health and Hygiene Now. This campaign, which kicked off on the 24th of May, is particularly important to us given the stigma that still exists around periods and the fact that one in 10 African girls misses school because of her period.
The event was held in partnership with Water Support Charity Organization. Over 150 students were educated on menstrual wellness. They were taught how to maintain proper hygiene during their monthly flow, what to do and what not to do during the period. The team also debunked Menstrual Shame, encouraging the girls that menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of and a normal part of the female reproductive cycle.
Many of the girls had interesting questions to ask, ranging from what items to use when they are on their period to how to manage menstrual pain. The team did well to answer their questions and ease their curiosity.
The team also provided a total of 153 Menstrual Hygiene Kits worth over ₦200,000 and exercise books to the schoolgirls. The kits contained pads, detergents, and bathing soaps to enable the girls to have adequate supplies to maintain proper hygiene.
We also held educational Menstrual Hygiene Day events at two schools: Garki Junior Secodnary School and JSS Durumi.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this campaign!
This review was featured on Twinkl in their blog, Menstrual Hygiene Tips: Importance of Cleanliness during Menstruation.