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World Menstrual Day: Foundation empowers over 200 students in tackling poverty

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IBRAHIM QUADRI

A Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, Edun Muinat Eniola (EME) on Friday sensitized and empowered over 200 students on menstrual cycle hygiene to alleviate poverty among less privileged homes.

The sensitization program which took place at Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos was organized to mark the international day on Menstrual Hygiene.

This year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day had the theme, ‘Reusable Pads: Means of Ending Period Poverty,’ was designed by the Foundation to educate girls and empower them in taking care of their menstrual cycle without financial difficulty.

A resource guest at the event, Aderonke Oyelakin said, “I’m happy to be here today, celebrating with the children. It has to do with how our girls take care of their personal hygiene, and for them to have life skills and core values”.

“There are challenges that will come in life but when you stand firm with your core values and you know who you are , you stand firm , you will be able to achieve your goals.

“We have over 200 students here today. The use of reusable pads and getting your life skills right. So they need to also understand that women are being abused here and there and they should be protected,” she added.

Oyelakin stressed that boys were also invited to attend the program, “they have to know that they are male champions and not use their masculinity negatively.”

The covener, Edun Muinat Eniola said, “We understand the issue of poverty that surrounds menstrual cycle. So we are having this sensitization program and empowerment.

“The use of thread and niddle, they can also get used ankara and tailoring materials. All these will go a long way to make use of reusable pads and address poverty.

She added, “The program is not just ending in this hall. The students go back to their churches and mosques to teach others.”

She noted that the organization hoped to partner with the Goverment and Sustainable Development Goals office to get the message across to the young ones. The message is also for the parents and the communities in our advocacy.

The project coordinator, Titilayo Ojulari noted,”We know the importance of menstruation in our life cycle. Without menstruation, there won’t be procreation. We have a lot of women that have no children because of menstrual failure.”

She therefore stated that menstrual cycle is a biological right that the young girls should not be ashamed of.

A female student of Ikeja Grammar School, Okeyemi Sunmisola expressed delight over the programme. She said, “I have learnt that I don’t have to be ashamed of my menstrual cycle. I’m ready to go out there and teach others what I have learnt here today.”

Also, Faronbi Daniel of the same school said, “I have learnt how to relate with girls during their menstruation.”

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