From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has expressed readiness to eradicate menstrual poverty and ensure development of women and girls in the country.
The Minister of Women Affairs Barr Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye stated this at the National Dialogue on Menstrual Health and Hygiene with the theme: “Accelerating Efforts for Eradicating Menstrual Poverty”,
Barr Kennedy-Ohanenye stressed that Menstrual Health and Hygiene cannot be over emphasised so, through the national dialogue, awareness would be raised to limit stigma adding that, “We will do whatever we can to ensure that it is limited in Nigeria.”
She explained that the Ministry’s broad goal was to advice the Government on gender and children’s issues, initiate policies, guidelines and lead gender mainstreaming at national, regional and international levels.
“Accessing menstrual and health hygiene nationwide it was discovered that only 36 percent of five hundred million women use sanitary napkins and 71 percent of girls lack knowledge about menstruation before their first period adding that limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities further complicates hygiene maintenance during menstruation,” the Minister revealed.
She disclosed that globally, period poverty hampers education with girls often missing significant school days.
She said, “It is a pleasure to be part of this National Dialogue on Menstrual Health and Hygiene management organised by my Ministry with invaluable support from partners, we gather to discuss strategies for promoting healthy living for women and adolescent girls in Nigeria.
“This dialogue emphasizes that period poverty isn’t just about lacking menstrual products but extends to insufficient education and awareness.”
The Women Minister noted that with the theme: “Accelerating Efforts for Eradicating Menstrual Poverty in Nigeria” will help to address the rising cost of sanitary products hindering women and girls from affording them monthly.
She therefore, urged all Stakeholders to recognize menstrual Health Hygiene as crucial to gender equality and Public Health, support the development of guidelines for comprehensive menstrual Health education in educational systems, raise awareness to reduce stigma and provide access to free and subsidized menstrual products to alleviate period poverty in Nigeria.