By Bashir Hassan
In a concerted effort to enhance menstrual hygiene awareness among female students, the ASHH Foundation, with funding from Women for Women International (WFWI) recently carried out a sensitization campaign across three schools in Bauchi Metropolis. The schools were Baptist Royal Academy, Government Day Secondary School Bayara, and Divine International Academy Rafin Zurfi, collectively reaching out to 600 female students.
This initiative, aimed to enhance the students’ understanding of proper menstrual hygiene and its importance, aligned itself with the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) pillar that emphasizes participation and prevention.
Representatives from the Primary Health Care Board, including Umar Abdullahi Ningi, Mrs. Hulda Adamu Jumba from the Ministry of Women Affairs, and Mrs. Victoria Fajinmi from Women for Women International, attended the event to offer valuable insights and advice to the students.
The ASHH Foundation team emphasized the importance of maintaining good menstrual hygiene practices, drawing attention to the negative effects of poor hygiene, such as infections, body odor, loss of confidence, and the stigma that can result among peers.
In addition to the educational aspect of the campaign, 600 packs of sanitary pads were distributed to the students, and pad banks were established within the schools.
The pad banks are intended to ensure that female students have access to sanitary pads during their menstruation, minimizing the risk of missing school due to lack of supplies.
One of the students, Sarah Philip, expressed her appreciation to the ASHH Foundation for the informative session, expressing her hope for more visits in the future.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting schools, Mrs. Ka’ase Christiana extended her gratitude to ASHH Foundation for selecting their schools for the initiative and prayed for continued funding and support for such essential programs.
Our correspondent reports that, the activity, funded by Women for Women International, not only raised awareness about menstrual hygiene but also offered practical solutions to improve menstrual hygiene management among female students, contributing to their health, confidence, and educational continuity.
