Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) and Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) teamed up to inspire, educate and equip adolescent girls from the Gosa community on Menstrual Hygiene. It was a very informative, fun and educative event thanks to Madam Jumai (IHVN), who personally addressed the girls on menstrual hygiene, and the dangers of not adhering to it.
As at 8:30 AM on the 23rd of June, the enthusiastic girls were already at the venue for the event, which was scheduled for 9:00 AM. The girls were excited to see the team, who were also happy to meet them.
The Vaccine Network is no stranger to the girls as they have been previously sensitized on gender norms, HIV awareness and prevention, as well as life skills through the NGO’s Adolescent and Young Women Forum. This forum is one of the interventions of the NGO in Gosa community which is one of the 30 communities in AMAC, FCT that VNDC implements sustainable interventions. Most of these girls had also benefited from the vocational skills acquisition program implemented by the NGO.
The event was opened by Mrs Chika Offor the CEO of Vaccine Network for Disease Control, who introduced the guests.
Madam Jumai of Institute of Human Virology took the stage to address the children on the changes and development that most of them were already experiencing. She praised the woman’s body and acknowledged that every woman is beautifully and carefully made. She also stated that menstruating is a normal thing and one should not panic when she experiences it.
She further stated that during the period of their monthly flow, they should ensure cleanliness by taking their bath regularly and properly. She also encouraged the girls to use Sanitary pads, and if they cannot afford one, they should use clean clothes, and avoid the use of tissue paper for a long period of time. Madam Jumai was emphatic about social vices and how people can take advantage of these adolescent girls. She pleaded with them not to fall victim to myths related to sanitary hygiene and preying boys and men who may want to take advantage of their economic status.
The girls were so excited to ask questions and each girl was given a special package comprising of:
- 20 piece sanitary pad
- Hand sanitizer
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Writing materials
- Mirror
- Vaseline
- Comb
- Nail cutter
It was a beautiful event and the girls left equipped with information and materials that will help them make right decisions.