By Monday Danladi
The Kairos Initiative for the Needy, in collaboration with WeAid Initiative, on Friday sensitised 50 adolescent secondary school girls of Love Paradise Academy, Bauchi, on effective menstrual hygiene management at school and at home.
The organisers also distributed complete dignity pouches containing essential menstrual hygiene items to help the girls maintain good health and personal hygiene during menstruation.
The menstrual hygiene awareness and education programme formed part of activities marking Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026. Through the outreach, the organisations sought to improve menstrual health awareness, promote healthy hygiene practices, and create a safe environment where young girls could discuss menstruation openly without fear, shame, or stigma.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Kairos Initiative for the Needy, Dr. Mojirola Iheme, stressed the importance of menstrual hygiene and encouraged the participants to regard menstruation as a natural biological process rather than something to hide or feel ashamed of.
To build trust and encourage openness, Dr. Iheme shared her first menstruation experience, recalling how a supportive teacher assisted her when she menstruated for the first time during her first year in secondary school. Her story resonated with the participants and helped create a comfortable atmosphere for discussion.
The organisers later divided the girls into small groups of five, where they shared personal experiences, challenges, and concerns related to menstruation. The interactive session encouraged peer learning, boosted confidence, and strengthened mutual support among the participants.
Following the group discussions, Hauwa Haruna delivered a lecture on healthy menstrual hygiene practices. She educated the girls on proper handwashing, healthy nutrition, regular bathing, and the safe use and disposal of menstrual products. She also highlighted the importance of self-care and overall well-being during menstruation.
Executive Director of WeAid Initiative, Barrister Gambo Wakili, delivered another key presentation. She shared her personal menstruation experience and provided detailed information on menstrual hygiene management and the menstrual cycle. Her presentation explained the biological processes involved in menstruation, addressed common misconceptions, and offered practical guidance on the correct use of sanitary pads.
To reinforce the lessons, the organisers conducted a fun and interactive demonstration in which two students competed to correctly place sanitary pads on underwear within the shortest time. The activity generated excitement while helping participants learn practical menstrual hygiene skills.
As part of the outreach, each participant received a dignity pouch containing sanitary pads, underwear, and soap. The organisers said the items would help the girls manage their menstruation confidently and hygienically both at school and at home.
The programme increased awareness of menstrual health, encouraged open conversations about menstruation, and equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills for managing their menstrual health effectively.
The event concluded with a group photograph, marking the end of a successful Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration.
Overall, the outreach played a significant role in breaking menstrual stigma, empowering adolescent girls with accurate information, and promoting dignity, confidence, and healthy menstrual hygiene practices among young girls.
