In a bid to tackle the stigma surrounding menstruation and promote menstrual hygiene among young girls in Nigeria, the Wings of Compassion Foundation carried out an awareness campaign and donated sanitary towels to students at Government Secondary School, Lamingo, Plateau State.

The foundation also called for collective action to eradicate menstrual stigma, taboo and ensure equal rights resonates deeply.

The Chairman Board of Trustees, Temiloluwa Ogunniyi, emphasised the transformative impact of challenging myths and fostering open conversations about menstruation.

He said providing access to menstrual hygiene products and education is fundamental in ensuring girls attend school without stigma or fear.

Ogunniyi highlighted the initiative’s objectives to promote health and dignity, break taboos and boost confidence among young girls.

Member, Board of Trustees, Michael Oyewole, underscored the pervasive stigma and the detrimental effects of menstruation in most part of the country, especially on the rights and dignity of women and girls.

Oyewole emphasised the importance of breaking taboos and ensuring menstrual hygiene practices.

He noted that this disheartening culture/mindset inflicts indignity upon women and girls, as well as violates their rights to non-discrimination, equality, bodily integrity, health, privacy and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment.

During the outreach event, volunteer Itse Stephanie Daniel, educated the students on maintaining proper menstrual hygiene practices.

Daniel provided practical advice and imparted crucial tips on hygiene, sanitary towel usage, and disposal methods.

“Experiencing menstruation is a natural aspect of life. It is expected you maintain proper hygiene, change your sanitary towels every five hours depending on your flow, and most importantly be confident in your body and person,” she explained.

Responding, the Head of Department for Arts and Humanities at the school, Mr. Jona Panan, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s benevolence.

Panan acknowledged the impact of such initiatives on educational outcomes and societal development.

“We sincerely appreciate your group’s support and commitment to empowering our students’ well-being. I implore more people to emulate your group by contributing to societal development like you are doing. We hope you continue to consider us for more projects in the nearest future,” he said.