The Rotary Club of Akoka, District 9112, has tasked the government and policymakers with prioritising menstrual health by ensuring that sanitary products are affordable and accessible to every girl child.
The club gave this charge in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, according to a statement on Saturday.
Observed annually on October 11, the International Day of the Girl is a global moment to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions, and leadership.
The statement noted that a topic on improving menstrual hygiene, education, and empowerment for the girl child was discussed at the Reagan Girls Memorial School in Yaba.
The club also distributed sanitary pads to the schoolgirls as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting young girls’ health and education.
The President of the Rotary Club of Akoka, Rtn. Dr Doyin Ogunyemi, emphasised the importance of breaking the barriers that menstruation can create for girls in their educational lives, stating, “We believe that no girl should miss out on education due to her menstrual cycle.
“By empowering girls through improved menstrual hygiene and education, we are not only enhancing their health but also contributing to their long-term success.
“This initiative is not just about providing products; it is about giving these girls the confidence and dignity they deserve.”
Ogunyemi urged the students to continue pursuing their dreams, reminding them of their equal ability to achieve the great goals they set for themselves.
“An educated girl is a powerful force for change in her community, and when we invest in her, we invest in the future of our society,” she said, reinforcing the message of empowerment through education.
She also encouraged the school to establish regular interactive sessions with the students, allowing them to learn more about menstrual hygiene in a safe, supportive environment and stressed the importance of providing proper facilities to support girls during their menstrual cycles, including access to clean water, private restrooms, and appropriate disposal methods for sanitary products.
She added that girls and the community at large should break the silence surrounding menstruation and promote a culture of openness and respect for the girl child.
