In Nigeria, many young girls face challenges regarding menstrual hygiene. According to available data, about 65% of Nigerian women and girls cannot afford menstrual products. This high cost of sanitary products often leads to using unhygienic materials during menstruation. In addition, cultural taboos surrounding menstruation prevent girls from openly discussing the topic, leading to a lack of education and understanding.
To address this issue, GCAF has taken the initiative to educate teenage girls on menstruation and menstrual hygiene. The organization is partnering with schools to provide information on menstrual hygiene and promote positive hygiene habits. GCAF will also provide menstrual supplies, including sanitary products and soaps, to schools in selected communities.
It is crucial to create awareness of the importance of practicing good menstrual hygiene. Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to health challenges such as infections and reproductive health issues. In Nigeria, women who menstruate use over 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime, highlighting the need for accessible and affordable menstrual products.
Through these interventions, GCAF hopes to break menstrual taboos, increase access to menstrual supplies and education, and empower young girls to navigate their menstrual cycle confidently. Encouraging healthy habits and supporting young girls is essential to ensure they have a positive and healthy relationship with their bodies.
Actions planned for the event:
- The beneficiaries will engage in drawing menstrual materials like pads. The sanitary materials will help them recall the safe/best menstrual product to use instead of tissue paper or fabric pieces.
- The girls will engage in word art design to create awareness against menstrual taboos.
- The girls will also engage in bead-making that will identify the menstrual cycle.
- The girls will be given opportunities to tell some of their experiences with menstruation.