Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
About two hundred (200) adolescent girls in Gudun Sayawa Community, Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have benefited from the distribution of sanitary pads as part of efforts to promote awareness on menstrual health and hygiene management.
The one-day awareness campaign was organised by Behind MaryGift Walls Foundation in partnership with Made 4 More Empowerment Foundation to commemorate International Menstrual Hygiene Day under the theme, “Flow With Dignity.”
Speaking during the commemoration, the State Coordinator of Behind MaryGift Walls Foundation, Mr. Victor David, said “The rationale behind the exercise was to improve menstrual hygiene practices while creating livelihood opportunities for women and adolescent girls in rural communities through increased awareness of menstrual health and hygiene”.
He observed that many adolescent girls lack access to sanitary pads during their menstrual periods, hence the need for them to create awareness and address the rising cost of disposable sanitary pads.
Mr. VIictor David explained that “The current economic situation has made disposable sanitary pads unaffordable for many women and adolescent girls, forcing some to resort to unsafe alternatives such as pieces of cloth and wrappers” .
In her presentation on the proper use of sanitary pads during menstruation, a resource person, Miss Asaba Hyelin Peter, advised adolescent girls to maintain good hygiene by washing their personal clothing during and after menstruation.
She explained that reusable pads are produced locally using hygienic and safe materials, while also serving as a sustainable option that can help improve menstrual health outcomes.
Miss Asaba emphasized the need for regular changing of sanitary pads, particularly during heavy menstrual flow, and encouraged girls to bathe three to four times daily during menstruation.
She also called on adolescent girls and women to understand their menstrual cycle in order to promote healthy living and nutrition.
She further stressed the importance of gender equality, noting that every adolescent girl, woman and boy deserves equal opportunities for a brighter future.
Speaking on behalf of the community and beneficiaries, the Community Secretary of Gudun Sayawa, Mr. Lumi Markus, Miss. Milka Bako Thomas and Comfort Umar Idris, promised to apply the knowledge gained from the awareness campaign.
They also expressed gratitude to Behind MaryGift Walls Foundation and Made 4 More Empowerment Foundation for hosting the awareness campaign in Gudun Sayawa Community.