By Gloria Osemudiamhen
Towards promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and to dispel stigma surrounding menstruation, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani has visited Imaguero College along Benin-Sapele Road in Benin City, to sensitize pupils on the significance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene practices.
Mrs. Anani’s visit was part of activities marking the World Menstrual Hygiene Day, and aimed at educating young girls on how to manage their menstruation with dignity and confidence.
In the address of Mrs. Anani as delivered by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Nimata Umar Ikhilor, she highlighted the significance of menstrual hygiene in promoting the health and well-being of women and girls with the admonition that girls should prioritize their menstrual health and hygiene, considering its crucial role in their overall development.
While encouraging pupils to break the silence surrounding menstruation and support one another in managing their menstrual cycles, Mrs. Anani reiterated her commitment to advancing the very important course. According to her, “Menstrual health is not just a personal issue; it is a fundamental aspect of human rights, dignity and public health. Effective menstrual hygiene practices help prevent infections and other health issues, while ensuring that menstruation is managed with dignity and confidence.
“Menstrual hygiene is essential for the health, well-being and empowerment of women and girls. As the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, I am deeply committed to promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting the overall well-being of all women and girls in our State.”
Mrs. Anani urged pupils to embrace menstruation with pride; tackling stereotypes and myths confidently. She called on stakeholders to join forces in promoting menstrual awareness and sensitization, fostering a supportive environment for girls and women to manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence. She said, “Together, let us break the silence, dispel the myths and eliminate the taboos surrounding menstruation. Let’s normalize our monthly cycles and speak of them without shame. Let us remember without the menstrual cycle, life itself cannot begin. So let us embrace the red flow with pride.
“I call on every one; parents, teachers, community leaders, policy makers and every member of the society to join hands in promoting menstrual hygiene education and awareness. Together, we can make menstruation a normal part of life by 2030, free of fear or shame”
The representative of Edo South Senatorial District in the State Secondary Education Board, Hon. Charity Osifo, encouraged the students to embrace womanhood with confidence. She emphasized that it involves understanding and managing the physical and emotional changes associated with menstruation, promoting a positive and empowered approach to feminine health. According to her, “prioritizing hygiene boosts confidence, morale, well-being and empowers women to unlock their full potential as well as radiate confidence and charisma”.
The event featured sensitization lectures by medical professionals, interactive sessions with pupils, and the distribution of sanitary pads. The activities provided practical and valuable information on menstrual health and hygiene practices. The pupils actively participated, demonstrating their newfound understanding.
The pupils appreciated the gesture of providing sanitary pads and for the awareness during the programme, describing them as great empowerment, which have boosted their confidence.
