To celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023, three organisations joined forces to host an educational workshop at Junior Secondary School Kabusa Abuja focusing on the sustainable and economical management of menstrual cycles. Hope Spring Water Charity, SuS Pads, and the Centre for Adolescent and Social Development have collaborated on this event in order to help reduce period poverty by equipping girls with the necessary materials.
The workshop gave attendees a thorough introduction to menstruation and menstrual hygiene, in addition to step-by-step instructions on making reusable pads. Professional educators and seasoned instructors provided guidance throughout the process, ensuring participants left with products that can be used for many years.
Dr. Fatimah Odusote argues that menstruation should not be overlooked as it is an essential piece of the female reproductive cycle. She stresses that when awareness and access to education are facilitated, it can help empower women by allowing them to manage their menstrual health effectively, and consequently reduce the stigma and any potential obstacles that could limit them from living optimally.
The training workshop welcomed both boys and girls, as it is essential to get men and boys involved in conversations about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Through education, we can break down the stigmas attributed to periods, increase understanding and empathy between genders, and foster a more equal society. Consequently, males were encouraged to attend the workshop to learn more about the menstrual cycle, any difficulties women may face during their period, and how they can provide support.
The menstrual hygiene workshop was a success due to the generosity of Hope Spring Ecard. Through their support, invaluable resources could be made available to girls who may not otherwise have access. Their assistance was instrumental in making this possible.
Hope Spring’s lead for the Menstrual Hygiene Day project, Bolu Olorunfemi, emphasised that correct menstrual hygiene practises are essential for a woman’s physical and mental health. Not only can they stop infection and unease, but they can also keep women from facing social seclusion. Reusable pads provide an excellent substitute for disposable ones since they are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly and sustainable. In addition to cutting costs, using reusable pads can help safeguard the environment from toxicity and support sustainable disposal methods for menstrual waste. Thus, encouraging their use will help tackle menstrual hygiene issues in an environmentally safe manner.
We invite all who are in favour of teaching about menstrual hygiene and improving period poverty to join forces with us in pursuit of a common mission. By uniting, we can give young girls across the globe the ability to command their personal health and welfare. You can contact us via our website!