Menstrual and Hygiene Day 2021: NGO advocates need for proper menstrual hygiene

To mark the Menstrual and Hygiene Day 2021, a non governmental organization (NGO) known as Lola Cater for the Needy foundation in collaboration with Catholic Relief Service have advocated the need for proper menstrual hygienic management and education to young girls.

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The Chief executive, Lola Cater for the Needy foundation, Ololade Ogunnubi in collaboration with Catholic Relief Service took time to visit students at Junior Secondary school Karu to educate them on many areas of hygiene and menstruation  as part of the activities marking Menstrual and Hygiene Day celebration 2021, expected to hold May 28.

Every year, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, the media, and individuals come together to celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day to advocate on the importance of good menstrual hygiene management.

Over 800 million women and girls menstruate every day, yet across the globe they face barriers to properly managing their periods.

The social stigmas and taboos surrounding menstruation often prevent women and girls from attending work and school.

Even when they do attend while menstruating, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, lack of sanitation infrastructure such as private toilets and handwashing facilities, and lack of menstrual hygiene education can prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential in the classroom, in the workplace, and at home.

According to Ms Ololade, “girls have their first period during puberty. The average age for a girl to get her first period is 12, but girls can start menstruating as young as 9, as late as 16. So we need to catch the students young on the importance of hygiene as it’s relates to menstruation.”

She urged the students to prepare for a better future by taking care of themselves but in character and learning.

A gender base advocate Mr Wilson Atumeyi spoke to the students on home related gender based violence and sexual harassment.

He said, “home related gender based violence appears to be very prevalent in Nigeria and has affected many children, their families, as well as the communities to which they reside or belong.”

He urged the students to report to their parents and guardian when molested.

Two students, Rejoice Ajayi and Abonyi Chima both of jss3 expressed satisfaction with the sensitization.

The NGO distributed Each sanitary pads, note books, and Menstrual Card among others.

The 2021 global theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day is ‘We need to step up action and investment in menstrual health and hygiene now.