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By Doris Obinna
Commemorating the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Alora Reusable Pads, Dettol and A Well-Informed Adolescent Initiative are partnering to create a period-friendly world for young girls in Nigeria.
With this year’s theme, “Period Friendly World,” they highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls in managing their menstrual health.
The 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, which was celebrated on May 28, the organisers focused the event on empowering girls with the knowledge and resources they need to manage their menstruation safely and hygienically.
It disclosed that in Nigeria, approximately 37 million women do not use sanitary pads during menstruation. The situation is dire in urban slums, where many girls lack access to affordable sanitary pads. “This exposes them to infections and causes them to miss school for four to five days each month.”
According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), only 56.7 per cent of the 17 million Nigerian girls aged between 10 and 19 have primary education, and 45.7 per cent have secondary education.
To address these pressing issues, Alora Reusable Pads, Dettol, and A Well-Informed Adolescent Initiative reached out to over 100 girls in Calabar, Cross River, during this year’s menstrual hygiene day.
The program according to the organisers aimed to educate girls about menstruation, menstrual health, and hand hygiene while providing them with essential menstrual care products.
Speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Alora Reusable Pads, Sarah Kuponiyi, emphasizing the importance of the initiative, said: “Our mission is to ensure that no girl misses school or faces health risks due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. By partnering with Dettol and A Well-Informed Adolescent Initiative, we are taking significant steps toward achieving this goal.”
The team gave out over 100 menstrual care packs to girls that included Alora Reusable Pads, a set of new panties, Dettol products, wet bags, and a copy of “My Period Book” written by Sarah Kuponiyi.
There was comprehensive educational session, which included demonstrations on how to use and wash reusable pads, as well as thorough hand washing techniques. The girls also learned about menstrual health and hygiene, equipping them with the knowledge to manage their periods safely and with dignity. Dettol, a brand synonymous with hygiene, played a crucial role in the initiative. Meanwhile, representatives from Dettol conducted interactive sessions on the importance of hand hygiene, especially during menstruation.
The girls were taught how to properly wash their hands to prevent infections, reinforcing the critical connection between menstrual health and overall hygiene.
A Well-Informed Adolescent Initiative, known for its commitment to adolescent health and education, provided invaluable support in organizing the event and reaching out to the community. Their efforts ensured that the message of menstrual hygiene reached those who need it the most.
“The collaboration between Alora Reusable Pads, Dettol, and A Well-Informed Adolescent Initiative marks a significant step towards addressing menstrual health challenges in Nigeria.
“By providing sustainable menstrual products and comprehensive education, are empowering girls to stay in school, maintain their health, and build a better future for themselves,” they stated.
