Empowering Menstrual Hygiene; Oke-Ijebu, Akure
A pivotal event centered on menstrual hygiene took place at the Olufunmilayo Complex in Oke-Ijebu, Akure on May 28, 2024. Organized by K&TRC Akure, the event aimed to raise awareness and educate participants, including individuals with disabilities (PWDs), on the significance of menstrual hygiene and related health aspects.
The event commenced with the Nigerian National Anthem and participant registration, setting the stage for a day filled with informative and engaging sessions. Representatives from various organizations, including YALI, Thrive Bridge, Mercy Speaks, and MSI, delivered goodwill messages and conducted educational sessions, fostering an environment of empowerment and knowledge sharing.
Mrs. Bola Inyang from The Speaking Voice provided an enlightening talk on menstruation and the stigma surrounding it, particularly among PWDs. She emphasized the importance of hygiene during menstruation, offering practical advice such as sun-drying underwear to eliminate germs. Additionally, the demonstration on pad usage by Mercy Roland from Mercy Speaks provided valuable insights into proper menstrual hygiene practices, advocating against the use of cloth and emphasizing the importance of carrying extra pads and toilet rolls.
Mr. Adedotun Israel from MSI educated the participants, including PWDs, on the importance of family planning and demonstrated the use of male and female condoms, promoting informed decision-making and reproductive health awareness.
The event also featured an experience-sharing session. Participants at the Empowering Menstrual Hygiene event; individuals with disabilities, shared their experiences of their first menstruation. This was very amazing as it fostered an environment of open dialogue and mutual understanding.