Menstrual Hygiene Day: Lagos govt assures women of support to challenge stigmatisation
By Jeffrey Agbo
Lagos State Government has assured girls and young women of support in handling menstrual health.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the State, Bolaji Dada, gave the assurance during the ceremony which was organised by the ministry’s women department to mark the Year 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day an annual event, held at the Isheri Skill Acquisition Centre, Olowora, Lagos.
Mrs. Dada stated that the theme “Together for Period-Friendly World” of this year’s celebration is apt. She noted that embracing this natural bodily function with dignity and respect is a collective responsibility.
The commissioner further pointed out that Nigerians must promote menstrual health education and hygiene with ways to manage it and desist from negative attributes attached to it in many parts of the world.
She also stated that women need to break the silence and address these challenges head-on, adding that it is not a taboo but a normal condition for young women.
The commissioner reiterated that the state government is passionate about the women of the state as they are considered the bridge builders.
“We are committed to providing high quality sanitary pads, materials for all public school girls and empowering women in rural communities across the state,” she said.
Mrs. Dada also commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration in the state for providing necessary support towards this annual event to commemorate the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
She also expressed gratitude to non- governmental organisations for their collaboration with the ministry to achieve success in women-focused programmes, noting that the government cannot do it alone because of limited resources.
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The commissioner revealed that a total of 12,000 women had received free sanitary products from WAPA, adding that the ministry will go to Ketu, Oko-Agbun in Kosofe, Badagry, Ipodo market, Isheri women community among others to distribute free sanitary pads.
Defining menstrual hygiene management among women and adolescents as well as highlighting the importance of period as a biological process a woman needs to go through before she can conceive and give birth to children, the CEO of Amiga Sanitary pad, Dr. Amaka Aniekwe, noted that it is a natural occurrence for women.
She further listed ways of keeping proper hygiene to avoid infection, wearing breathable cotton, bathing at least twice a day and ensure proper disposal of pads after use.
Aniekwe advised girls to hold their head high and walk confidently. She said, “Do not be stigmatised and do not let anyone talk down on you. People who laugh at girls when they get stained during monthly flow are ignorant and need to be educated.”
She therefore called on all stakeholders, government, religious bodies to support women in the rural areas who cannot afford sanitary pads by lending a helping hand.
