Poor menstrual hygiene has been associated with reproductive and urinary tract infections, posing physical health hazards.

Adding the socioeconomic restrictions and lack of access to sanitary pads is a recipe for disaster. Women and girls in the country are generally misinformed about menstrual hygiene management.

In commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2022, FAME Foundation, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD), Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP), and Numak & April Pharma Limited, organized a Menstrual Health and Personal Hygiene Workshop under the PLAY it DREAM it initiative.

The workshop was aimed at promoting personal hygiene, bridging the gap between the misinformations, and demystifying menstruation for girls in secondary and primary schools. The workshop held on May 30, 2022, at LEA Primary School Jabi. Abuja. In attendance were 200 school girls from 6 primary and secondary schools within the FCT, alongside teachers, speakers, and volunteers.

Present at the workshop was Pharm. Halima Mamman Daura, Hajiya Hajara; D.D Gender UBEB, Mrs. Aloku; Chief Education Officer UBEB, Pharm. Uche Egbuka, Ms. Folake Oyebade, Volunteer Coordinator FAME Foundation, and Mrs. Dinah Abohwo among many others.

Beginning the workshop was a group discussion amongst the various schools on the myths and misconceptions about menstruation they grew up knowing.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Dinah Abohwo enlightened the participants on the importance of personal hygiene.

“Caring for one’s body involves the practice of bathing, handwashing, brushing your teeth, and more. Every day, we come in contact with millions of germs, which can linger on our bodies, and in many cases, make us sick if not taken care of”, said Mrs. Dinah.

Afterwards, Pham Uche extensively explained the menstrual cycle to the participants.
“Start counting on the first day of your period and stop on the day before your next period. Track these for three months and add the total number of days. Divide that number by three, and you will have your average cycle length”, she said.

She also reemphasized the need for every girl to know and understand her menstrual cycle to help her plan and prepare.

Ms. Folake Oyebade, the Volunteer Coordinator of FAME Foundation, illustrated how to use a reusable sanitary pad. She also pointed out various ways to maintain it.

Ms. Aderonke Bello, Executive Director, FAME Foundation, while addressing the school girls urged that they should not be ashamed of their menstruation.

‘Menstruation is a natural occurrence and no girl and woman should be confined while on their periods. Rather consider it as a thing of pride and a show of feminine power”, she said.

At the end of the workshop, school girls were presented with reusable sanitary pads and starter packs to make theirs in the future. The usage of reusable sanitary pads will result in a reduction in period poverty, ensure sustainability, and have a positive effect on our climate.