Kwara takes menstrual hygiene sensitisation to special needs schools

The Kwara State Government is intensifying its efforts to promote menstrual health awareness among adolescents, extending its sensitization campaign to schools with a particular focus on students with special needs and other vulnerable groups. This initiative is part of the activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day and aims to enhance access to crucial menstrual health information while fostering open dialogue about menstruation among young people.

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The initiative is specifically focused on boys and male involvement in menstrual health conversations. It also targets adolescents with special needs, demonstrating the government’s determination to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing menstrual health information and support.

The program, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with adolescent-friendly non-governmental organizations, was held at the Kwara State School for Special Needs and Government Day Secondary School, Fate-Basin. Students from various categories, including those who are deaf, blind, have intellectual disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, participated in the exercise. The Adolescent Health Desk Officer, Oladimeji Buhari, highlighted that this year's commemoration goes beyond traditional activities.

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One of the major objectives of the day is to help young girls understand that menstruation is a normal biological process and not something to be disturbed about.

Buhari explained that the initiative specifically targets boys and male involvement in menstrual health conversations, as well as adolescents with special needs. This demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that no one is excluded from accessing menstrual health information and support. The program is designed to educate adolescents about menstrual health and hygiene, creating a safe space for them to discuss menstruation without fear, shame, or discrimination. A key objective is to help young girls understand that menstruation is a normal biological process.

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We are also seeking to challenge and dismantle the cultural, religious and social taboos that often surround discussions on menstruation by deliberately involving boys in the conversation.

Furthermore, the organizers aim to challenge and dismantle the cultural, religious, and social taboos surrounding menstruation by deliberately involving boys in the conversation. The Principal of the Kwara State School for Special Needs, Rasheedat Jubril, commended the initiative, emphasizing its importance for the girls, especially those with special needs. Participants received accurate information and were encouraged to seek support from trusted sources.

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The sensitisation on menstrual health and hygiene is highly important to the girls, especially those with special needs.