Treasured Points of Light Foundation has distributed 700 sanitary pads to schools in Ogun to mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.
Its President, Oluwadamilola Onebamhoin, led the distribution at the Army Day Secondary School in Alamala Barracks to support girls in rural communities.
The pad distribution was part of the foundation’s annual outreach to address key challenges faced by girls, including child marriage and menstrual hygiene management.
Onebamhoin noted that access to proper menstrual products is often limited in rural areas, forcing many girls resort to using unsafe alternatives.
This, according to her, is one of the many factors that may lead to health complications such as infection and infertility.
She lamented the societal and cultural barriers that continue to hold girls back, stressing the need to shift mindsets and cultural norms.
She said “societally, we have cultural norms that set girls behind. We need to change the narrative; changing our psychological mindset about the girl-child. Every child is important, whether male or female.”
The foundation’s Head of Logistics, Dr Damilola Ibigbami, explained that the purpose of the outreach is not just to distribute sanitary pad, but to sensitise the students about menstrual hygiene.
Ibigbami highlighted the pressing issue of child marriage and the need for government at all levels to prioritise education as a solution.
The logistics head said “we are here to talk about being a woman and the importance of menstruation.
“Many girls don’t have access to quality materials for their menstrual cycle, and the financial challenge is a major barrier.
“If a girl child is educated, there’s no way she would be forced into early marriage.
“The idea that a girl’s education ends in the kitchen is a fallacy. Today, we have women breaking barriers and leading as CEOs.
“Parents need to realise the potential of their daughters and not limit them.”
Aishat Olabode, a JSS 3 student of the Army Day Junior Secondary School, commended the foundation for the sensitisation and the free pad, noting that it has further increased her knowledge.
She said “we have been taught about puberty and menstruation in my school. I now know how to handle sanitary pad, duration of usage and good hygiene.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach was extended to other schools and areas, including Ijale Papa village, where the foundation educated women and girls on proper use of sanitary pad.(NAN).
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