Advocating for Menstrual Health Education in Nigerian Schools
A youth advocacy group, ‘The EmpowerHer Project’, has urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to include menstrual health education in school curricula across Nigeria. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by girls who often miss school or feel ashamed due to their menstrual cycles.
Elizabeth Odukoya, the founder of The EmpowerHer Project, made this call during the launch of a book titled ‘Periods, Pads and Proud’ in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She emphasized that integrating menstrual health into the curriculum is essential for empowering girls and ensuring they have access to necessary resources and knowledge.
Odukoya stated, “The EmpowerHer Project is building a movement for change. We are working with schools and local authorities to integrate menstrual health into school curricula and advocating for a future where no girl has to miss school, feel ashamed, or lack resources simply because of her period.”
Over the past year, the project has reached more than 3,000 girls across 11 schools and communities in Nigeria. Through interactive health talks, the group has distributed over 3,000 free menstrual products and promoted sustainable, reusable sanitary pads as an eco-friendly solution. Their efforts extend beyond product distribution; they focus on breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation through open and practical education.
By empowering girls with knowledge and confidence, the project also engages teachers, parents, and communities to challenge harmful myths and taboos. This comprehensive approach ensures that girls can manage their periods safely and with dignity.
Importance of Menstrual Health Education
Dr. Chinedu Nwaodu, Director of Quality Assurance at the Rivers State Ministry of Education, emphasized the need for young girls, parents, and teachers to take menstrual health seriously. She highlighted that all secondary schools in Rivers State are equipped with facilities to educate the girl child about menstrual health.
Nwaodu encouraged both teachers and parents to educate girls on the importance of menstrual health. She noted that while the curriculum includes this topic, it is up to educators to ensure it is taught effectively.
She shared an example where a girl approached her father instead of her mother when she first experienced her period. This situation highlights the need for better communication and education among families.
Nwaudu urged principals to monitor their teachers to guide female students correctly. She also mentioned discussions with the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics to explore ways to incorporate the book into private schools.
She implored girls to be proud of themselves and understand that menstruation is a natural process. “Menstrual period is natural, it’s very, very natural,” she said.
Insights from a Medical Expert
Professor Kaladada Korubo, a Haematology Professor at Rivers State University, reviewed the book ‘Periods, Pads and Proud’. She noted that the book provides valuable insights into the female genital system and explains what menses and periods mean.
Korubo emphasized that the book helps girls understand what to expect when they first experience their period. She pointed out that many mothers have not discussed menstruation with their daughters, often waiting until the child is around nine or ten years old.
“Knowledge is power,” she said. “For a girl who doesn’t know anything about menses, having read this book, she will know it all.”
This book serves as a vital resource for girls and their families, offering clear and practical information to help them navigate the challenges of menstruation. It also encourages open conversations about a topic that is often shrouded in silence and stigma.