Abuja: Representatives of FCT secondary schools and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have committed to ongoing efforts to bridge menstrual hygiene education gaps and improve access to sanitary products, as part of the Tabitha Cumi Foundation’s initiative.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this commitment was made during the baseline dissemination meeting for principals and vice principals under the Always Keeping Girls In School (AKGIS) project. The project, funded by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America) and implemented by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) in Abuja, aims to address various challenges related to menstrual hygiene.
Mrs. Nendirmwa Ohah, Programme Manager at TCF, explained that the study aimed to establish a detailed baseline of qualitative and quantitative indicators of the AKGIS project to guide its activities. Findings revealed menstrual education gaps, limited access to sanitary pads, poor hygiene facilities, harmful taboo practices, and low awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among the 140 respondents.
The AKGIS project aims to increase retention of 1,600 marginalized girls by providing hygienic sanitary materials and information on menstrual hygiene management in FCT, Lagos, and Benue States. Mrs. Ohah emphasized the importance of community-led or school-led initiatives, ensuring that no girl is left behind in accessing menstrual hygiene management and information.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, highlighted the stigma, misinformation, and neglect surrounding menstrual health despite its significance to public health, gender equality, and education. Represented by Mrs. Gloria Michael, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of FMoWA, she commended TCF for supporting women and girls in managing their menstrual periods safely and confidently.
The minister noted the importance of expanding menstrual hygiene education, supporting local production and distribution of sanitary materials, and advocating for menstrual-friendly policies in MDAs, schools, and public institutions. She stressed that no girl should have to choose between her education and her period, calling for collective action from all stakeholders to tackle these issues.
Dr. Safiya Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of the Placement and Gender Unit at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), stated that the agency would ensure that findings from the project’s impact were addressed. She noted the positive impact on girls, especially enlightening principals who were not fully aware of menstrual hygiene management before the sensitization.
Abdurazaq Ademola, Principal of Abuja School of the Deaf, Kuje, acknowledged the intervention by Tabitha Cumi Foundation in the menstrual hygiene situation. The provision of sanitary products has improved hygiene practices among students who previously used inappropriate materials during their menstrual cycles.
Hajiya Gold Fatima, Principal of Junior Secondary School, Area 11, observed that students now attend classes more regularly thanks to the AKGIS project. She highlighted the support provided to girls during their periods, enabling them to remain in class and continue learning.
Mr. Ikpangetor Isaac, Head Teacher of FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje, expressed appreciation for the organization’s efforts in empowering girls with special needs by providing information and sanitary products to manage their menstrual cycles effectively.
