By Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Plan International in partnership with the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, ASHH Foundation and Syndicate In Supporting Women And Children Initiative (SISWACHI) has engaged adolescent girls and other stakeholders on safe practices in Menstrual health to mark this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Bauchi State.
The NGO also distributed Menstrual hygiene kits to adolescent girls at the event.
The event which was organised by Plan International, with funding from Global Affairs Canada is apt with the 2025 theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” calls for collective action to ensure that menstruation does not hinder girls’ education, health or opportunities.
The meeting held at the Hazibal Hotel and Suites in Bauchi, had in attendance adolescent girls from different schools and societies as well as stakholders from the government and civil society organisations.
In her remarks, the Director Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, said that the workshop was organised for adolescent girls in secondary schools to sensitize them on the importance of hygiene while observing their monthly period.
She said that menstrual hygiene is an important aspect of in the work plan of the Ministry which is usually carried out on a quarterly basis, adding that continuous sensitization is key in girls maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation.
“This event is in commemoration of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.Menstruation is a very important aspect in the lives of girls that needs awareness on how they should take care of their bodies.
“Along with partners, we are using this opportunity to educate the girls that menstruation is not a bad thing, it is a natural occurrence in a woman’s body and should not be associated with any misconception or myth”
”Menstrual hygiene is vital for girls because menstruating in an unhygienic condition, can lead to infections which if left untreated can lead to infertility. During menstruation, a girl must ensure that she takes her bath at least twice a day to prevent smell. She must change her pad at intervals depending on the flow.Also, she must dispose her used pads properly, I usually advise girls to burn the pads properly instead of throwing them in the waste bin or refuse site” She said
Also Speaking, Damaris Philemon, the Gender Equality and Inclusion officer of Plan International, said that Plan International with funding from Global Affairs Canada is commemorating the World Menstrual Hygiene Day with theme “Towards a period friendly World ” in order to mobilize resources and support from Ministries, partners, NGOS and CSOs to give girls the proper education on Menstrual hygiene.
She explained that looking at Plan International will ensure that every adolescent girl is educated on sexual reproductive health and her right.
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