By Fatima Saka
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists Federal Capital Territory Chapter has undertaken a noble initiative to enhance menstrual hygiene and combat gender-based violence in society.
While association recently distributed complimentary sanitary pads and writing materials to Junior Secondary School 1 students in Jabi, located in the Federal Capital Territory.
During a one-day awareness event organized by NAWOJ FCT in conjunction with Little Angel Pads in Abuja, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, urged governmental bodies at all levels to implement policies that promote the free distribution and subsidization of sanitary towels for students and women across the nation.
Comrade Bassey Ikpang highlighted the significance of selecting this particular school, emphasizing the importance of educating teenage girls about menstrual hygiene and advocating for better accessibility to sanitary products. He encouraged students to voice their opinions and cultivate self-assurance.
“It is imperative to prioritize public schools, as many students may be unaware of crucial information. Therefore, we aim to enlighten them on these matters.”
He further stressed the importance of involving both boys and girls in discussions about gender-based violence to equip them with the necessary knowledge to combat this issue effectively.
“It is essential to engage both genders in discussions about gender-based violence to ensure that everyone is aware of the appropriate actions to take and those to avoid. Encouraging timely reporting is crucial.”
The Vice Principal of Junior Secondary School Jabi 1, Abuja, Rabiatu Abdullahi, commended NAWOJ FCT for their timely intervention and urged other women’s organizations to follow suit in supporting the hygiene of female students. “We are grateful for your assistance. If other groups can also contribute in this manner and invest in our girls, society will undoubtedly benefit.”
Distinguished guest speakers, including the News Manager of Independent Television ITV, Fransicar Ogar, and Naomi Okomudo of Abuja Royal Women Empowerment Initiatives, delivered insightful presentations on gender-based violence and menstrual hygiene to the students, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Several students expressed gratitude to NAWOJ FCT for their generous contributions and urged the government to consider making menstrual pads freely available to students. Some female students revealed that due to the high cost of sanitary towels, they have resorted to using cloth scraps or tissue paper, underscoring the urgent need for such initiatives.
The event’s highlights included the distribution of menstrual pads to all female students present, while male students received exercise books.
