The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has trained girls on the production of reusable sanitary pads to promote menstrual hygiene in Bauchi State.
The Chairlady, Rashida Yusuf, said this on Saturday during the one-day training exercise at Liman Katagum village in Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.
She said the exercise is designed to improve menstrual hygiene and management among out-of-school, underserved and vulnerable girls.
Yusuf said the exercise is being implemented in partnership with the state government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
She highlighted that menstrual hygiene has been a public health concern requiring sustained attention.
The chairperson said the association extended awareness creation activities to rural communities, to mobilise participation in the campaign.
“We are here to promote menstrual hygiene and advocate on the importance of menstrual health. The hands-on training in communities will enable girls to become better informed and confident in managing their menstrual health. Perfect skills in producing reusable sanitary pads will also be a source of income for the girls,” she said.
Yusuf urged the participants to cascade the knowledge gained to their peers, family members and members of the community.
She commended the state government for providing adolescent corners and promoting programmes on menstrual hygiene.
A health educator, Jummai Haruna, enjoined the girls to seek counselling about menstruation, to enable them to make informed decisions.
Haruna said personal hygiene and proper management play a vital role in ensuring a safe and healthy menstrual period.
She also educated the girls on the signs and symptoms of menstruation, menstrual care practices, hygiene measures, and tips on how to handle myths and misconceptions about the condition.
“As girls, we need to understand the symptoms, signs, hygiene practices, myths and misconceptions related to menstruation and menstrual health,” she said.
Also, Yakubu Abubakar, a community leader in the area, lauded the gesture, adding that it would promote good health outcomes.
(NAN)
