With a view to empowering girls on menstrual health hygiene and access to affordable sanitary napkins, CEEHOPE Nigeria trained girls on reusable hygienic sanitary pads.
The training program which was in two phases captured girls from slum communities across Lagos State who may not have access or unable to afford disposable sanitary pads in their communities.
The first edition of the training which held on Saturday February 24 at CEE-HOPE’s office in Ogba had in attendance forty girls from Makoko, Monkey Village, Bariga, Ikorodu and Agege.
The training facilitator, Mr Olufemi Iroko who taught the girls on how to make reusable pads with needle, thread, fabrics and mackintosh emphasized that the reusable pad is affordable, comfortable and reliable for the girls. Iroko stressed that “most girls can tap into the economic benefits of this pads by making it and selling it for their friends and community members”.
Earlier, Anuli Obiaga spoke with the participants via video call during the mentorship session. She advised the girls to be committed to their education which is a tool to their development.
All the participants went home with two reusable pads and materials they could practice with in their homes.
The second edition of the reusable pad training was held on Friday, March 30th at Ikorodu with the aim of capturing more girls across Lagos State.
The trainer, Mr Olufemi Iroko reiterated the need for the girls to be able to train others in their community. He selected participants from the first phase to show girls what they have learnt so far, an attempt to ensure that they remember what they were taught. The girls, excitedly, we’re able to explain what they learnt in the first edition of the training.
Facilitators at the training, Mrs Bimbo Oshobe and Mr. Ewajane admonished the girls to focus on their education so they can be responsible adults in future. The duo also urged them to tap into numerous empowerment programs organized by CEE-HOPE and not to be discouraged by their present circumstances.
A medical director, Dr. Adeolu Olusodo spoke to the participants on menstrual hygiene and explained the need for them to see a doctor incases of menstrual disorder rather than using self medication.
Speaking, the Executive Director of CEE-HOPE, Betty Abah explained that the organization embarked on this project with the aim of empowering girls who may not have access to pads. Betty said that “Government makes available contraceptives for people but sexual intercourse is a choice, why can’t they make available sanitary towels for girls because it is mandatory for a girl to menstruate”.
Participants were grateful to CEEHOPE for this laudable program which they believe would help them during their menstrual flow. Those who were present at the first training who had already used the pad confirmed that the pad is good, absorbs and comfortable. The girls totalling twenty five went home with a reusable pad each.
