NGOs advocate curriculum for menstrual hygiene in schools
A coalition of Non-Government Organisations in Bauchi State has called for a curriculum on menstrual health and hygiene in schools for adolescent girls. The Executive Director of Alwadata Lifeline Initiative menstrual health, Mrs Winnifred Yusuf, made the call at the launch of a menstrual reality programme and distribution of reusable sanitary pads on Thursday in Bauchi.
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She noted that menstruation can affect girls’ education by making them miss classes or even drop out of school. She added that “that is why we are advocating to government, legislators and stakeholders on the need for curriculum on menstrual hygiene in schools. The move can provide adolescent girls with knowledge, sanitary products and facilities to understand and manage menstruation.”
Yusuf said the coalition of the NGOs would also begin distribution of 6,000 reusable pads in schools and
some communities in Dass, Bauchi and Ganjuwa local government areas of the state.
The Executive Director of ASHH Foundation, Mrs Comfort Attah, lamented that menstruation affects girls’ attendance and participation in education.
She said schools can as well raise awareness about the need for adequate and sufficient menstrual hygiene management for adolescent girls.
She added that “the coalition of NGOs on menstrual hygiene would advocate for breaking taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation. It is estimated that girls lose an average of four days of school a month, which costs them nothing less than 265 learning days over six years of Junior and secondary school.”
According to her, menstrual health and hygiene management involves a number of interventions that go beyond interventions in schools.
Mr Ibrahim Ladan of Civil Society Organisation urged the coalition not to relent on the advocacy effort and sensitisation in schools and communities.
He added that “these interventions are tied to adequate sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents, particularly programming around puberty.”
The NGOs are ASHH Foundation, Alwadata Lifeline Initiative, Saberrash Foundation, Period Reality, among others.
NAN/Wumi
