Serene Early-Trobb Concept, an inclusive initiative dedicated to child protection and rights, especially the girl child, has recently demanded that the Lagos state and Nigerian governments make free sanitary pads available for girls and women.
The charge was made during the organization’s End Period Poverty/ Pad A Girl campaign for girls at Isheri-Ketu community.
In a statement by the founder/ convener, Serene Early-Trobb Concept, Rhoda Olorunfemi, said the exercise is not only aimed towards ending period poverty but also demanding that the government reduce the cost of sanitary products and provide tax on producing companies if it cannot sustain its free distribution.
“This exercise is our way of giving back to the society, while calling the attention of the Lagos state and Nigerian government make free sanitary products available to women and girls.”
“The government must ensure access to clean water, hygiene facilities, as well as information and services on menstruation management at public health centers and other public places. They can subsidize it in case it cannot be freely distributed, but they must reduce tax on producing companies,” she added.
While addressing participants on menstruation management, Olorunfemi said girls deserve the right to clean and healthy menstruation in as much as ending period poverty is concerned. She said girls can better understand how to maintain personal hygiene before, during and after menstruation, while taking girls through various sessions on infection prevention, menstrual cycle and overcoming myths and stigmatization on menstruation.
According to her, “we are enlightening them not to engage in sexual activities which may result to increased reproductive and urinary tract infections with opposite sex because they can not afford sanitary products. We are also doing this to prevent the forced resort to unhygienic options like rags and tissues.”
Also speaking at the event, the Founder, PNEUMA Foundation, Eyitayo Omotolola said period poverty is a serious issue which affects the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of young girls.
“This can affect how they think, feel, and act, and also determine how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices if the situation is not properly managed.”
Adding to that, “Which is why they need to be equipped with necessary information about period poverty, its challenges and solutions on mental health.”
She advised everyone to ensure their psychological well-being as it determines their overall mental and emotional state. “It encompasses factors such as self-acceptance, positive relationships, personal growth, autonomy, environmental mastery, and a sense of purpose in life. Period poverty and lack of proper menstruation management can affect you if you do not take proper care of yourselves.
“Serene Early-Trobb Concept is offering emotional and psychological support to girls on any issues on menstruation management,” she added.