By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
As part of activities to mark the International Day for Menstrual Hygiene 2024, an NGO, Dogara Community Development Foundation Kaduna (DCDF) at the weekend organised a sensitization meeting for adolescent school girls of Ecwa GoodNews School at High Cost in Narayi with the theme: Period Friendly World.
Addressing the girls, Mrs Rahila Ishaku Baita, Executive Director of DCDF, emphasised the importance of proper health maintenance during their menstrual cycle.
She explained the difference between menstruation and ovulation and the myths surrounding menstrual cycle, health seeking behaviors for menses and the linkages between menstrual health and sexual violence and also prevention tips for sexual violence.
“I believe in sensitizing adolescent girls in our schools on management of hygiene during menstrual cycle because it’s very important.
“This will help improve your health and and also break barriers surrounding Menstrual cycles in our community”. Rahila added.
Some of the students who were anxious asked questions like: why they usually have stomach pains and fever during their monthly periods?
If it is ok to discuss their monthly period with their brothers or fathers whenever they are having pains, because of the enormous responsibilities expected of her?
And why some girls don’t have pains like stomach cramps, etc during menses?
Responding to the girls’ concerns, the ED, noted that there’s nothing wrong if they discuss with their brothers, especially when they are feeling sick, saying they could get assistance in their house chores.
She said because there are no taboos surrounding menstrual pains, it will be better they discuss with their fathers, perhaps, he could make provision for sanitary pads for them.
She also advised them to see health worker if the pains persist for too long, adding that menstrual pain is normal and that it is a pride for girls and women to see it monthly.
Mrs. Rahila, however called on government, philanthropists and development partners to support the production of reusable pads and make them available in schools to help reduce absenteeism by the girls.
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