…seeks subsidy for sanitary products
…. Presents Sewing Machines to invited Schools
The first lady and the wife of Ogun state Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has expressed concern over hygiene and other practices surrounding menstrual health among girl’s child and women in the state.
Mrs Abiodun spoke at the opening of the Workshop for secondary school students on Menstrual Hygiene Management in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital on Friday.
According to her, some practices, taboos, misconceptions, culture of silence have promoted poor menstrual health and hygiene, thereby reducing dignity of women and girls in the society.
She called for improved information and awareness creation on Mentrual Hygiene management saying that proper use of sanitary towels and disposal method should be encouraged for overall hygiene promotion.
“We need adequate sensitisation and enlightenment for everyone to take the issue of water and sanitation facilities seriously by making them available in all secondary schools to promote menstrual health.
She called on Federal government to remove tariff on sanitary pads.
In her welcome address, the commissioner for health, Dr. Tomi Coker stated that From the time of a woman first cycle,( between 12 – 48 years ) to menopause, the average Nigerian woman will have around 427 periods in her lifetime. Added up, this equates to around 10 years — or about 3,500 days — of the average woman’s life that will be spent menstruating.
She congratulated her excellency for adding her voice and calling on all tiers of government to take the campaign to every schools in the state.
Earlier in her remarks, the commisioner for women Afairs, Mrs Funmi Afuwape advised young girls not to be ashamed but happy that they are approaching womanhood.
“During that period, it is not a shameful thing, it’s something that they should be happy about that they are growing up to become a woman. During that period, they should make sure that they bathe, change their pad regularly,” the commissioner said.
Highlight of the event was presentations of sewing machines to invited schools.
The Sewing Machines Provide means for the invited schools to start sewing organic and non disposable pads in schools.
Other dignitaries at the event are: Wife of the speaker, Mrs Oluomo, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu FMAN,
Special Adviser for Education, Science & Technology, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, Special Adviser for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adija Adeleye and others
