A non-governmental organisation, Salma Attah Foundation for Women and Girls Support, had called on government at all levels to provide free menstrual kits for women and girls in rural communities.
Miss Amrah Aliyu, Executive Director of the foundation made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
She said “menstrual products are essential to the health of women and should be treated as a basic need and not a luxury”.
According to her, a UNESCO report estimates one in 10 girls misses school during their menstrual cycle, which in turn affect their education.
“We call on the government to provide free menstrual products to women and girls in underserved communities.
“Such as the internally displaced persons’ camps, public hospitals, public schools and all government regulated workplaces, as it is no longer news the negative effect of period poverty on women and girls.
“Not all individuals who menstruate can afford menstrual products, many will have to choose between buying menstrual products and buying food.
“Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental human right and a critical link in achieving gender equality yet most girls drop out of school once they start menstruating.
“This is because most of them can not afford sanitary pads or some stay at home during their period days.
“Young girls are risking their physical health by making improvised sanitary products from pieces of rags, tissue, socks and leaves in the quest to manage their periods.
“They are often embarrassed by their periods, this shame is incredibly harmful as it prevents girls from reaching their full potential.
“They should not miss school due to a lack of facilities, information and lack of sanitary products,” she said.
Aliyu noted the foundation, in collaboration with Tarian Sanitary pads, organised a 10-day activity to celebrate Menstrual Hygeine Day at Wassa IDPs camp in Borno State.
ALSO READ:Menstrual Hygiene: MDAs unveil Pad Banks for emergency in offices
She said that part of the activities include a training of women and girls on reusable pads.
The executive director added that this was in line with creating a world where no woman or girl is held back because of her period.
