The Defence and Police Officer's Wives Association (DEPOWA) has sensitized girls of adolescent age on menstrual health hygiene and distributed sanitary pads to them at Junior Secondary School Dei-Dei in Abuja.
The association also trained the girls to make reusable sanitary pads to empower them against menstrual challenges.
The president of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the event 'Menstrual Health, Hygiene Management and Reusable Pad-making Training' was organised to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2024.
She said the initiative was informed by the need to support and help girls reach their full potential.
She said, "The International Day of the Girl Child serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering girls and ensuring their rights and freedom. We celebrate the potential, resilience and strength of girls worldwide. We recognise the obstacles they face from gender-based violence and limited access to education and healthcare, but most importantly, we affirm our commitment to creating a world where girls can strive.
"Therefore, as part of the commitment towards empowering girls to end period poverty in public schools in the Federal Capital Territory, we are here today for the menstrual health and hygiene management and reusable pad-making training for all our lovely schoolgirls here today".
Mrs Musa added that the initiative aligned with her vision to see women and girls become productive contributors to family and society driven by a deep sense of values and hard-working spirit.
She urged the students to be committed and learn, adding, "I say to you, your dreams are valid, your voices matter, your futures are bright. You are change makers. You are the leaders of tomorrow,"
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The facilitator, Ms Amara Ezediniru, said the occasion was driven by the desire to end "period poverty"
This, she said, is because some girls miss classes due to period flow and inability to access pads.
She said, "We were told children and girls are uncomfortable coming to school during their monthly flow. We were told how some of them even miss classes because they don't have anyone to help them take care of their menstrual situation. We were told that the children here, a lot of them are from non-privileged homes. And we thought to come and identify with you. Every child, every girl child, is important to us. We do not just want to give you pads, but we want to teach you about menstrual hygiene.
She continued "We also want to teach you how to make reusable pads so that you can make for yourself and use them. Then you won't have to miss school, and you won't have to be disadvantaged,"
The principal of the school, Mr Abdullahi Lakuza, commending DEPOWA for the sensitisation and donation, appealed for the association to assist the school in other areas of need.
"We have been crying about so many things, but our mother is here to help us, not just about your menstrual period, but I'm sure she can do even much more,".
