By:- John Onuche, Anthonia OJ and Dorcas Abutu

Menstrual hygiene management is a critical aspect of reproductive health, yet many young girls face challenges in accessing adequate information, resources, and support to manage their menstruation safely and with dignity. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, the Grace-Ali Health Foundation(GHF) initiated a project to improve menstrual hygiene among young school girls.

Project Objectives:

• To raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and reproductive health among young school girls.
• To provide access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products for girls in schools.
• To improve sanitation facilities in schools to accommodate menstrual hygiene needs.
• To empower girls with knowledge and skills to manage their menstruation with confidence and dignity.

Project Activities:

Educational Workshops: Conducted workshops and awareness sessions in schools to educate girls about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the importance of proper hygiene practices during menstruation.

Distribution of Menstrual Hygiene Products: Provided free hygiene products such as sanitary pads and menstrual cups to girls in schools to ensure they have access to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene management options.

Improvement of Sanitation Facilities: Collaborated with schools to improve sanitation facilities, including the provision of clean and private toilets, handwashing stations, and waste disposal bins to support menstrual hygiene needs.

Training of Teachers: Provided training sessions for teachers on menstrual hygiene management, enabling them to support and educate girls effectively.

Peer Education Programs: Established peer education programs where older girls mentor younger ones, sharing knowledge and experiences related to menstrual hygiene management in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

 

Achievements:

Increased Awareness: The project successfully raised awareness about menstrual hygiene and reproductive health among young school girls, teachers, and parents, leading to improved understanding and acceptance of menstruation as a natural and normal process.

Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products: Girls in schools gained access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products, reducing barriers to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene management.

Improved Sanitation Facilities: Sanitation facilities in schools were upgraded to better accommodate the menstrual hygiene needs of girls, providing them with clean and private spaces to manage their menstruation with dignity.

Empowerment of Girls: Through education and skill-building activities, girls were empowered to manage their menstruation confidently, reducing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and discomfort associated with menstruation.

Community Engagement: The project fostered community engagement and support for menstrual hygiene management, with parents, teachers, and community leaders actively involved in promoting menstrual health and supporting girls’ needs.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Cultural Sensitivity: Addressing cultural taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstruation required careful navigation and community engagement to ensure acceptance and support for the project.

Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of the project beyond its duration necessitated building partnerships with local stakeholders, training community members, and advocating for ongoing support and investment in menstrual hygiene management.

Resource Constraints: Limited resources, including funding and infrastructure, posed challenges to the scale-up and sustainability of project activities, highlighting the importance of efficient resource allocation and mobilization.

 

Feedbacks from participants: –

Maryam Isahan SS3 student I feel more confident managing my menstruation at school. Access to sanitary pads and clean toilets has made a huge difference. I no longer worry about leaks or discomfort, and I can focus better on my studies.

 

DamilolaDayokariman SS1 student menstruation was a taboo topic, and I felt embarrassed to talk about it. But now, thanks to the workshops and peer education sessions, I realize that menstruation is a natural process. I feel more comfortable discussing it with my friends and seeking help when needed.

 

Recommendations:

• Continued Education and Support: Maintain ongoing education and support programs to reinforce menstrual hygiene knowledge and skills among girls, teachers, and parents.
• Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize menstrual hygiene management in schools and communities, ensuring sustained investment and support for menstrual health programs.
• Community Involvement: Continue to engage with communities, parents, and stakeholders to foster a supportive environment for menstrual hygiene management and address cultural barriers and taboos.

MISSION: – To empower youth to lead transformative change in society’s health landscape through creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to global sustainability goals.

 

VISION: – Cultivating a society where physical, mental, and social health thrive.