The Tabitha Cumi Foundation, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), says it has empowered no fewer than 1, 350 schoolgirls on mensural health in Abuja, Kwara and Lagos in its Always Keep Girls in School (AKGIS) project.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs Adetayo Erinle, made this known at the AKGIS Endline Dissemination Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to her, the aim of AKGIS is to ensure that girls remain in school in spite of menstruation experience.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that menstruation, also known as period, is the regular discharge of blood
and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina, characterised by the rise and fall of hormones.
Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels and a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.
The executive director of the foundation, therefore, said that the group provided sanitary pads to more than 1,350 schoolgirls in Abuja,
Kwara and Lagos for one year in its efforts to ensure that the girls did not miss school.
Erinle, who was represented by the foundation’s Programme Manager, Ms Nendirmwa Ohah, said “we also provided correct information on mensural hygiene management to build the girls’ confidence and self-esteem.
“The AKGIS has also enhanced the girls’ academic performance because they no longer stay away from school during their period.
“We had the programme in 15 schools in Kwara, nine schools in Lagos and three schools with special needs in the Federal Capital Territory, to support the girls.”
She reiterated the foundation’s determination to continue to support schoolgirls.
Mr Michael Ogbonna, the Desk Officer oordinating NGOs in the Department of Health and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, commended the foundation for the efforts.
He assured that the ministry would continue to support the foundation, noting that menstruation is natural and normal part of women’s lives.
He added that “we treasure the Tabitha Cumi Foundation’s initiative on the AKGIS programme. It has taken the lead and able to break
the silence and open communication on menstruation for our girls in schools and various communities.
“As we strive for gender equality and empowerment, it is important that we priotise menstrual health as a fundamental right for girls and women.
“Access to menstrual health, inclusion and support should not be a luxury, but a basic necessity that every woman deserves.”
On his part, Mr Victor Opeyeme, from the NGO PPP Unit, Department of Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Education, also
commended the foundation “for the creativity and innovation on girl-child education.
“I want to commend you for your dedication in empowering young girls through education. It is quite inspiring. I appreciate and encourage you.”
One of the students that benefitted from the programme, Miss Zainab Ibrahim, also thanked the foundation, as well as Procter and Gamble company that provided
the sanitary pad to the girls.
NAN reports that gifts were given to students of the school with special needs in the FCT. (NAN)