In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child 2024, FIDA Abuja, in partnership with FEMPOWER Africa, organized a Menstrual Hygiene Awareness campaign at the LEA Primary School in Mpape, Abuja. The event aimed to educate young girls and women on the importance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene while raising awareness about their rights and personal safety.
FIDA Nigeria Press Release on the International Day of the Girl-Child 2024
The campaign’s focus on menstrual hygiene aligns with the global theme of the International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the need for young girls to have access to education and resources that enable them to manage their menstrual health with dignity. The session aimed to empower the girls with knowledge about their bodies and their rights.
Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015
During the event, FIDA Abuja’s Publicity Secretary led a session titled “Know Your Rights,” where she educated the participants about crucial issues such as rape, female genital mutilation, and bullying, as covered under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015. She emphasized the importance of reporting any violations to the nearest appropriate authorities, encouraging the women and girls to speak up and seek help when needed.
Ms. Dorkong Rimdan, Coordinator of FEMPOWER Africa, provided insights into the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child and explained the purpose of the campaign. She offered practical guidance to the schoolgirls on maintaining good menstrual hygiene, explaining that menstruation is a normal aspect of a woman’s life. For the younger girls who had not yet started menstruating, Rimdan assured them that this is a natural and expected part of growing up.
The event featured participation from key partners, including media representatives from 99.5 Wazobia FM, 96.9 Cool FM, and 95.1 Nigeria Info, as well as the Chiggy Nsofor Foundation. LEA Primary School representatives, including Mrs. Esther Bulu (Headmistress) and Mrs. Benedicta Ugbechie (Assistant Headmistress), were also present, showing support for the initiative.
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One of the event’s highlights was a hands-on training session led by the FEMPOWER team and volunteers, where the women and girls learned how to use menstrual hygiene kits, including menstrual cups. They also received training on sewing reusable sanitary towels, providing an affordable and sustainable alternative for managing menstrual health.
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To conclude the campaign, FEMPOWER Africa and FIDA Abuja donated cartons of sanitary towels and other menstrual hygiene kits, which were distributed to the participating women and girls, ensuring they had the necessary supplies to manage their menstrual health effectively.
The event was a resounding success, bringing together partners and volunteers to uplift and empower young girls and women in the Mpape community. It not only provided essential education on menstrual hygiene but also reinforced the importance of knowing and protecting one’s rights.
Thank you.
Olosen Victoria Ibiezugbe
Publicity Secretary, FIDA Abuja
