By NAN
Junior Chamber International (JCI) Unity Abuja, in collaboration with SAM Empowerment Foundation (SEF), at the weekend commemorated International Women’s Day with an outreach programme at Junior Secondary School, Gwarimpa, and Kaura District in Abuja.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Mentorship,” featured the distribution of sanitary pads, sensitization on menstrual hygiene management, and a funfair for the students.
Speaking during the programme, the President of JCI Abuja Unity, Amb. Unwana Bright Ekong, called on corporate organizations and government at all levels to support girls’ education by providing adequate water supply and toilet facilities in public schools.
She noted that the gesture formed part of the organization’s “Padded Girl Project,” which seeks to improve menstrual hygiene awareness among young girls and address issues of period poverty that affect girls’ education.
“This is part of JCI’s efforts to provide sanitary pads and promote confidence among young girls.
We also encourage other organizations to contribute in their own ways to make a difference in the country,” she added.
Also speaking, the Programme Director of SAM Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Kiema Ogunlana, said the initiative was aimed at giving back to the younger generation and helping them understand the importance and peculiarities of menstrual hygiene management.
She emphasized the need for the Federal Government to provide adequate sanitary facilities in public schools and other public places in order to promote proper hygiene among young girls.
“I want to appeal to the government to establish sanitary facilities or provide subvention that will support the provision of such facilities in public schools.
“If these facilities are not available, many girls may refuse to come to school during their menstrual periods. When that happens, they miss lessons and may not fully understand what is being taught.
“This programme is inspired by the theme ‘Give to Gain.’ As adults and as women, we have come together as organizations to give back to the younger generation.
“We aim to pass this message to adolescent girls between the ages of 13 and 17 so they can understand the peculiarities of menstrual hygiene management and learn how to take care of themselves during their periods,” she said.
A JS3 student, Abduraheem Rukayat, from Class B, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the initiative.
“I am very grateful to SAM Empowerment Foundation and JCI for making a difference in my life and the lives of other girls,” she said.
She also encouraged more non-governmental organizations to support female students, particularly in the area of menstrual hygiene and confidence building.
Similarly, JCI Abuja Unity and SAM Empowerment Foundation also distributed sanitary pads to girls and women in Kaura District, Abuja, as part of activities marking the celebration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)