By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Research findings regarding the State of Menstrual Hygiene globally, indicated that 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to menstrual products and facilities.
Also, 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school due to lack of menstrual products, 70% of women and girls in India use unhygienic materials during menstruation while Menstrual hygiene-related infections and illnesses are a significant public health.
The disclosure was made by a Coalition of CSOs and NGOs while presenting a position document to Bauchi State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development as part of the activities marking the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day held on Tuesday, 28th May, 2024 with the theme: “Together for a #periodfriendly World.”
It then expressed concern that the Consequences of Poor Menstrual Hygiene include, Health complications: Infections, toxic shock syndrome, and reproductive healt issues and Education and economic empowerment: Girls miss school, and women miss work leading to reduced economic opportunities.
Other concern is that Social and cultural stigma: Menstruation is often seen as shameful or impure perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes as well as lack of access to menstrual products and facilities which is violation of the rights of women and adolescents to health, education, and dignity.
The objectives of the APPOUTMEP Project include sensitizinv rural and urban communities in Bauchi state on the prevention of stigmatization of the girl child particularly during menstrual cycle or when abused.
To support and encourage survivors to ensure no girl misses school because o menstrual pain through capacity building and provision of first aid box in all schools and advocate to the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to ensure there is a policy on pad and free distribution for schools as a way of reducing number of girls who miss school during their menstrual period.
It is also to sensitize schools and community heads on the importance of a menstrual stigma free society, advocate to the policy makers to influence creation of Innovative policies on menstrual hygiene management in the state and support the distribution of free sanitary pads in schools for the adolescent girls in Bauchi state.
Another thing is Sensitization of women and giris on menstrual hygiene management in schools and communities within Bauchi state and Increase public awareness and knowledge on menstrual hygiene management through awareness campaigns and radio jingles.
The Coalition is to advocate to the government to untax/subsidize sanitary pads so that every woman and girl can easily access menstrual hygiene materials, support the girl child, retain her self-confidence during and after menstrual periods.
In communities of Bauchi State, the project employs the means of raising awareness through social media campaigns and events, engage with policymakers and influencers to promote menstrual hygiene and dignity, collaborate with organizations and businesses to provide menstrual products and facilities, Support research and development of sustainable and affordable menstrual products
The Un-tax my menstrual Pad Project recognizes the critical role that Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, CSOs, Leaders of Tribal Associations and MDAs play in shaping societal norms and values.
The Movement presented the Advocacy brief soliciting the support and collaboration of the Ministry as as it hoped to leverage on your influence and leadership platform to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and social norms and to promote policy and legislative changes to support menstrual hygiene and dignity.
The Advocacy is a pivotal initiative that seeks your collaboration and involvement in addressing Menstrual Hygiene by fostering attitudinal change and behaviors among Girls and Women, ensuring and promoting menstrual Hygiene and stigma eradication, thereby engaging key stakeholders in advocacy and awareness efforts to create safer, more equitable communities.
“We urge you to collaborate with us in achieving the APPOUTMEP PROJECT’s objectives, integrating Un-tax her Pad principles into your policies, programs, and community engagements. Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing Menstrual Stigma, increasing access to affordable and sustainable menstrual products and facilities in our communities,” It concluded.
While receiving the document, Bauchi State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajara Gidado discribed menstrual Hygiene as an important aspect of the growth and development of the Girl-child.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Saleh Abfulmumimi the Commissioner assured that the Ministry is ready to give every support needed to make life comfortable for the Girl-child.
Hajara Gidado assured that considering considering the critical nature of menstrual Hygiene to the girl child, her Ministry will support CSOs, NGOs and other relevant children and women related agencies for the good of the child.
She then promised to carefully go through the document presented to her in order to see how the Ministry can come in to support the move and make menstrual Hygiene priority.
The Coalition in the document presented described Menstruation as a natural and essential part of life, yet it remains a topic considered a taboo in many cultures and societies.
The Coalition stressed that silence and stigma surrounding menstruation have led t a lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene facilities, products, and education affectin women and girls. It’s time to break the silence and advocate for menstrual hygiene an dignity.
The Coalition of NGOs, CBOs and Stakeholders working to support improving Menstrua Hygiene practices and access funded by Women for Women International was established by Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation (ASHHF) alongside Child is Gold Foundation.
It also include Alwadata Lifeline Initiative, The Kairo Initiative, CARD Initiative, SWOFON, NIWOREN, WOWICAN, LANGA, AIDCODE, Rotary Club Bauchi Central, National Youths Service Corps, Heart That Truly Cares NAGARI WOWEN FARMERS, CAN, GNI, NACTAL, AIYON, Wowen with Disabilities Intergrerty Developmental Initiative, Doctors Wife Association.
The Network commenced its women and girls Justice Project Tagged: “Advocacy Project on Un-Tax Menstrual Pad”
