General News
THE Kaduna chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in partnership with the First Lady of Kaduna, Hafsat Uba Sani, has intensified efforts to promote menstrual hygiene awareness.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Government Secondary School Aliyu Dogo in Kaduna on Monday, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Mrs Sahura Maidoki, said the initiative was organised to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Maidoki explained that although the global event was marked in May, the association was continuing its advocacy to ensure that more young girls were educated on proper menstrual hygiene practices.
She said the programme also featured health education sessions facilitated by a healthcare professional to equip the students with knowledge on personal hygiene, particularly during menstruation.
“Last month was set aside to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day, and we are still marking the occasion.
“We engaged a health worker to sensitise the female students on how to take care of themselves, especially during their menstrual cycle,” she said.
According to her, the association also distributed sanitary pads to some of the students to support girls who may face difficulties accessing menstrual hygiene products due to prevailing economic challenges.
“We deemed it necessary, courtesy of the First Lady of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hafsat Uba Sani, to provide sanitary pads for some of the girls.
“While it may not be enough for everyone, we believe that even if one student benefits and applies the knowledge gained, the impact will go a long way.
“We also expect the students to share what they have learnt with others in their communities,” Maidoki added.
A Primary Healthcare Officer, Mrs Fatima Sani, who facilitated the health talk, educated the students on menstrual hygiene management, infection prevention, and proper use of sanitary pads.
She also enlightened them on recognising signs of infection, proper cleaning of underwear, safe disposal of used sanitary pads, and maintaining personal hygiene.
Sani further discussed understanding the menstrual cycle and common symptoms experienced before and during menstruation.
A teacher and mentor at the school, Mrs Salamatu Hassan, commended the organisers for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
She noted that many students were often too shy to discuss issues relating to personal hygiene and reproductive health.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke in separate interviews, expressed appreciation to NAWOJ and the Office of the First Lady for the programme.
They said the health talk had broadened their understanding of menstrual hygiene and personal health, while the sanitary pads distributed would assist them in maintaining proper hygiene during their menstrual periods.
The students pledged to share the knowledge acquired with their peers and family members.
(NAN)
W.U
June 22, 2026
Tags: Hafsat Uba Sani Mrs Sahura Maidoki