Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD), observed globally every year on May 28th, is often marked with activities that aim to break the stigma surrounding the natural process of menstruation. Additionally, it raises and spreads awareness of good menstrual hygiene management. With menstrual health advocacy, education, and support at the core of the Jaytee Fayemi Foundation (JTF), they were undoubtedly active participants in the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating period poverty and stigmatization and advocating for improved menstrual health and hygiene, they launched school and community outreaches in selected locations and states in Nigeria. They did this through partnerships with reputable organizations that share similar goals. JTF’s activities for the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day spanned from May 25 – June 7, 2024, in seven states in Nigeria: Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Edo, Borno, Kwara, and Enugu.
The sensitization program on menstrual health education conducted by the Foundation was done in partnership with the following organizations
- Sai Rosa Foundation
- Yali Network Osun
- The Glea Network
- PCI Foundation
- Comfort Cares Foundation
- Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria
- Medical Students of Kwara State University
- Pharmacy Department of University of Maiduguri
These programs aimed to educate young girls across different communities and schools in the aforementioned states, to dispel myths, and promote healthy menstrual practices. The sessions included interactive discussions, breakout groups, demonstrations on how to properly use pads, and the distribution of sanitary pads.
ACTIVITIES
Distribution of Sanitary Pads:
A total of 1,158 sanitary pads were distributed to the participating girls. This vital step was aimed at combating period poverty and ensuring they have access to safe and hygienic
Interactive Workshops:
Engaging workshops with breakout groups facilitated by healthcare professionals and educators were held. These provided girls with a safe space to ask questions and learn about the menstrual cycle and its significance, proper menstrual hygiene practices, dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, managing period pain and discomfort effectively, and the importance of self-care and confidence during menstruation. To reinforce knowledge, a total of 295 educational pamphlets on menstrual education and hygiene were shared with some of the participating girls. Among these activities were fun breaks like quizzes, games, and demonstrations which added color and excitement to the learning experience, making it a memorable one.
IMPACTS
In addition to addressing a critical need, the program had a lasting impact on the participants inthe following areas:
Breaking Period Stigma:
The open discussions shattered societal taboos surrounding menstruation. This was a pivotal feat as the stigma and secrecy surrounding menstruation have posed challenges that often result in reduced access to quality menstrual products and menstrual education. Crashing this stigma lifted the restriction on societal conversations about the topic, where menstruation is acknowledged as a normal experience.
Empowering Young Women:
With the knowledge and resources provided for participating girls, they were equipped to manage their periods with confidence and dignity. With developed self-esteem and a proper understanding menstrual products. of their bodies, they are fully aware of themselves and confident in their abilities as they grow into young adults. This significantly influences how they see themselves and projects outwardly, empowering them as they grow into adulthood to be active participants in the political, economic, and cultural paradigms of society.
Promoting Well-being:
Proper menstrual hygiene practices reduce the risk of infections and contribute to overall health. As a result of access to this menstrual health and hygiene program, the participants fully understand menstruation, have a positive attitude toward it, and know how to care for their bodies during their flow days in a safe, hygienic way. This promotes comfort and good mental and physical health, which will help combat school absenteeism caused by period pain, promoting educational continuity.
LIMITATIONS
During the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day organized by the Jaytee Fayemi Foundation, the target communities were served judiciously, but this service could have been faster if more volunteers were available on-site. The educational resources shared were handy pamphlets on menstrual education and hygiene, but these pamphlets did not reach all the participating girls because they were limited in number. Additionally, some of the parents and guardians were not open to the idea of allowing their children and wards to participate in the outreach. They showed reservations about releasing their girls, thus robbing these adolescents of access to the menstrual education and hygiene provided at their doorstep. Lastly, with no infringement of privacy intended, some participants resisted the idea of taking pictures at the event. As expected of community outreaches, mode of verification is often used as social proof for documentation and reference purposes, and so this was a necessity for the organization. There were vibrant pictures and collages, which would
have been more numerous if everyone had agreed to be photographed. Besides, as they say, “the more the merrier.”
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Having achieved this feat with the available human and capital resources, the foundation looks forward to expanding outreach to additional communities in the future. As more hands will be available for on-site outreaches, they plan to expand activities to more communities, as there is an existing knowledge gap in menstrual education in many underserved communities. Alliances with community leaders will be forged, enlightening them on the need, plan, and importance of the program in their community before the actual event happens. This prior-behind-the-scene meeting will create a soft landing for future outreaches. To top it off, the Jaytee Fayemi Foundation envisions partnering with local schools to integrate menstrual health clubs into their extracurricular activities. This, of course, will be with the cooperation of the respective school authorities and boards in charge.
CONCLUSION
The 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) was a resounding success. For subsequent programs and outreaches, more strategies need to be implemented to cover a larger scope. To achieve the hallmark goal of raising awareness and addressing period poverty, the Jaytee Fayemi Foundation is paving the way for a future where all Nigerian girls can manage their periods with knowledge, confidence, and dignity.