‎‎NGO Tasks Governments, Stakeholders on Menstrual Hygiene in Schools

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) WaterAid Nigeria in Bauchi State, has called on governments and stakeholders to provide water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools to improve menstrual hygiene for girls.

Miss Wandoo Akosu, the WaterAid Nigeria Bauchi State Programme Officer, who made the call in an interview with reporters in Bauchi Wednesday said: “WaterAid is calling on governments and relevant stakeholders to support the mobilising of resources to facilitate infrastructural improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.

“And these facilities will provide safe and private spaces for school girls to manage their periods hygienically.”

According to her, menstrual hygiene management is a human rights issue that matters to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“This includes goals on health education, gender equality, water and sanitation, economic growth and sustainable consumption and production patterns,” she said.

Miss Akosu stressed the need for government to put in place curriculum policy reforms that will ensure the continuing education of school girls on how to manage their menstruation safely.

“Building the capacity of school teachers and other gatekeepers to provide quality and comprehensive education and appropriate support to girls in schools and in the wider community for managing their menstruation safely,” she said.

She explained that nearly half of schools in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria do not have basic toilets.

“That shows girls who are menstruating risk embarrassment and shame during this time, and may decide not to attend school,” Akosu said.

She noted that safe, private toilets for girls in schools, combined with private places to wash, can boost their school enrolment.

“Therefore, proper menstrual hygiene management for women and girls requires inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools and public places.

“There must be provision and protection materials at affordable rates, behavioural change and communication as well as reviewing existing policies to address this important issue,” she said.

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