In celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024, the Nery Developmental Initiative (NDI), in collaboration with Miss Face of Humanity Nigeria (MFOH Nigeria), conducted a significant event aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness among students at Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maje, Abuja.
Leading the initiative was Amb. Rita Chika Ezenwa, the founder of NDI and the reigning Miss Face of Humanity Nigeria, who fervently advocates for menstrual health and women’s empowerment. Ezenwa delivered an engaging and informative session to both male and female students, covering crucial topics such as understanding the menstrual cycle, maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation, and combating period poverty. This effort was in alignment with the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day theme: “#PeriodFriendlyWorld.”
Ezenwa’s presentation was notably interactive, encouraging students to ask questions and share their personal experiences. She emphasized the importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, advocating for open discussions to foster better understanding and support for menstruating individuals. Her holistic approach addressed not only the biological aspects of menstruation but also the social and economic challenges faced by many girls and women.
A highlight of the event was a private session held exclusively for female students. This provided a safe space for the girls to discuss their menstrual health concerns in detail. The session concluded with the distribution of menstrual pads to approximately 500 female students, an act of generosity that was deeply appreciated, given the limited access to menstrual products for many of these students.
Students expressed gratitude for the advocacy and educational outreach, noting that the session answered many questions they had about menstruation, which they had previously felt uncomfortable or embarrassed to ask. They were empowered with practical tips on managing their menstrual health and maintaining hygiene.
The event was further endorsed by the presence of a representative from the FCT Secondary Education Board, underscoring the Board’s support for initiatives aimed at improving menstrual hygiene education in schools.
Amb. Rita Chika Ezenwa expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success, highlighting its importance in empowering young people with knowledge and resources. “Menstrual hygiene is a critical issue that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. By educating young people, we are taking a significant step towards creating a period-friendly world where menstruation is not a barrier to education or a source of shame,” Ezenwa stated.
The Nery Developmental Initiative extended heartfelt thanks to the Principal and staff of Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maje, for their cooperation and support, which were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success and making the students feel comfortable and engaged.
As part of a broader mission, NDI and MFOH Nigeria plan to continue similar initiatives across other schools in the FCT and beyond, aiming to reach more girls and provide them with the necessary knowledge and resources for their health and empowerment. Both organizations believe that through education and support, it can contribute significantly to building a society where menstrual hygiene is normalized and adequately managed.
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The impact of the event is expected to resonate beyond the immediate audience, as students share their newfound knowledge with peers, families, and the wider community. By addressing menstrual hygiene openly, NDI hopes to inspire a cultural shift towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for all girls and women.
