Silas Shentukwak Boi
As part of activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Network on Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has donated sanitary pads to female students of Government Secondary School, Birshi Fulani in Bauchi State.
NEWSAN, a coalition of Non Governmental organizations and critical stakeholders committed to improving access to safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, organized the event to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene, particularly among adolescent girls.
Speaking during the distribution, the Bauchi State Coordinator of NEWSAN, Dabis Mwalike, emphasized the need to sensitize the girl and promote proper menstrual hygiene to prevent infections that may arise from the use of unsafe materials.
She noted that many girls miss school during their menstrual cycle due to a lack of conducive facilities, which negatively impacts their academic performance.
“Providing sanitary pads helps girls stay in school and learn without interruption,” she added.
Mwalike also urged Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) to support the initiative and ensure that schools have a continuous supply of sanitary pads.
She further called on schools to provide adequate toilet and hygiene facilities so that menstruating girls can manage their periods in privacy and comfort, without missing classes.
In her remarks, the Vice Principal of the school, Mrs. Rahila Joshua thanked NEWSAN for the donation and assured that the school would continue to organize awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene for the girls.
Some of the students beneficiaries, Rahila Joshua and Joy Friday expressed their gratitude, saying the support would make it easier for girls like them to attend school during their periods.