MHD 2024: MENSTRUATION IS A GIFT NOT A DISEASE- AIYEDATIWA’S AIDE, FALANA
The menstrual cycle goes beyond the phase whereby young girls and women go through a monthly flow rather, it is a time that requires special attention to health and wellbeing that if not prioritized can lead to negative issues of reproduction and physical health.
The Special Adviser on Gender Matters, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana gave this assertion during a commemoration ceremony of the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene and Health Day (MHD) held with girls of St. Peter’s Unity Secondary school and School for the hearing impaired, in Akure the state capital.
Addressing the gathering Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana said that in honor of this year’s theme: #PeriodFriendlyWorld, Ondo State government has promised to keep intensifying efforts to continue to do all necessary towards making life better for girls and women in the state.
“The Menstrual Hygiene Day was set aside for the commemoration and celebration of Menstrual health among the female gender and also to enlighten young girls to live above menstrual challenges, cultural taboos that if left unaddressed may pose mental and physical health risks”
“We have alot of girl’s who are not privileged as you are, having little or no information about what they need to do inorder to keep themselves in good health and protect their future while they are still young, that is why we are here today to let you know that menstruation is the key to life, in which you form a very important part of and without it no woman can have a functional womb neither can procreation take place”
Encouraging the girl’s, the Special Adviser said they should note that their current stage is very peculiar and must shy away from exposure to social vices such as drug abuse, alcohol, sex leading to teenage pregnancy and other forms, so as not to fall prey to unsuspecting persons who might want to take advantage of their naivety.
“You are peculiar to the world, that is why you must learn to be open to information and speakout whenever troubled; Do not be stigmatized rather go through the phase with pride and seek appropriate counsel to enable you allay fears and garner necessary support in time” she said.
The Special Adviser. Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana called on individuals across the state to support adolescent girls “We look forward to a time whereby companies would make it their corporate social responsibility to commence the supply of sanitary pads to reduce the financial burden of purchasing it monthly and at high cost.
“Towards the progress of this course, we call on Nigerians as a whole to please support our young girls through setting up of pad banks in strategic places for accessibility and to put an end to period poverty, because government cannot do it alone”
Delivering her lecture, Mrs. Arowolo Agnes, a dietician, stressed on the importance of menstruation and proper nutrition, saying that it is important girls eat healthy and avoid being picky during periods. She mentioned foods rich in Carbohydrates, Protein, Iron and lots of fluid must be taken to enable replenishment of lost blood and to prevent sickness.
Also, Human Resource professional and Gender Advocate, Mrs. Pamela Elekwachi enjoined the girls with a charge that they must decide to make it in life daily by not allowing issues of menstruation deter or hinder them from attaining set goals in any situation they may find themselves. “It should not be used as an excuse to stay out of school, work or away from other opportunities that may arise” Girls must pay attention to their bodies, maintain good hygiene and seek medical attention incase of excessive pain or discomfort.
Earlier giving her Goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi represented by the Director women, Deaconess Oladiran Florence, said the forum was to re-orientate girls that menstruation was naturally designed by God to enhance their bodies and strengthen their reproductive systems.
“Beyond the annual celebration, the Ministry shall embark on such forums more regularly to increase sensitization among in and out of school girls in the eighteen local government areas in partnership with the local government authorities and Ngo’s”
The Principal, St. Peter’s Unity Secondary school, Mrs. Akinrinboye Stella, appreciated the Special Adviser on Gender Matters. Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana for organizing the event and choosing the school to host the event, while she reiterated that menstruation was the key to life and its absence could lead to problems for any woman. She encouraged the girls to engage in healthy lifestyles to maintain good reproductive systems.
Chairman, Agency for Welfare of persons with Disabilities, Hon. Folasade Arise cited herself as an example who equally undergoes the process and appealed to girls from the Special school to understand that there is no difference between themselves and other normal persons “We are all one, you go through the process of menstruation the same way as they do despite your peculiarity, so embrace your femininity with pride”.
The Chairman Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Tolu Adegbie represented by the Gender Officer Ms. Ajayi Rachael, said he was glad to celebrate with them on the occasion while he promised to continue to support gender related issues at every given opportunity.
Highlights of the event were the distribution of sanitary pads, question and answer segments as well as group photographs.
Debbie Funmilayo
Press Officer (Office of Gender Matters)
