A Non-Governmental Organization, the Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF), has inaugurated a renovated four-seat toilet facility at the Junior Secondary School (JSS), Piwoyi, Airport Road, Abuja.
Speaking with newsmen during the inauguration on Monday, CYPF’s National Coordinator, Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, said the initiative aims to promote menstrual hygiene and encourage school attendance among adolescent girls.
Olatosimi noted that the foundation also donated packs of reusable sanitary pads, which could last up to two years, as part of efforts to improve hygiene practices among young girls.
“Menstrual hygiene should not be discussed with girls only on its international day. It should be a constant and consistent conversation in schools,” he said.
He explained that the project was funded by Mondo Cooperante and that the foundation had long been engaged in advocacy for menstrual hygiene before receiving the grant.
“We believe that a school is not complete without a functional Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facility. That informed this proposal, and we were fortunate to receive funding from Mondo Cooperante,” he said.
Olatosimi added that the commissioning at JSS Piwoyi was the first in a series of similar interventions planned for three other public schools, stressing that improved access to WASH facilities would enhance girls’ attendance and retention.
“It is not acceptable for schools to lack proper toilet facilities. Such conditions amount to mistreatment of girls, especially during menstruation,” he said.
He further noted that providing sanitary pads and hygiene facilities supports the rights of the child as enshrined in the Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003.
“We have policies that protect the girl-child, including the CRA. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs also has a menstrual hygiene policy, which we must begin to fully implement,” he added.
Olatosimi called on the Federal Government to increase investment in infrastructure such as WASH facilities, classrooms and other amenities that encourage girls to remain in school.
Also speaking, CYPF Programme Manager Ms Gladys Oche said the renovated toilet facility would help address absenteeism among girls caused by the lack of adequate sanitation.
“The facility will enable girls to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity in a safe and secure environment,” she said.
“One of the challenges females face in public spaces is the lack of private areas to change and freshen up during menstruation. Renovating this toilet will help girls stay in school and manage their hygiene comfortably.”
The Principal of the school, Mrs Nwagugu Pauline, said the facility would improve girls’ attendance and expressed appreciation to CYPF for the intervention.
Similarly, the Head Girl of JSS Piwoyi, Nafisat Ndakokolo, thanked the foundation, saying the renovated toilet would provide privacy for female students. Mariam Saaed, the Sanitary Prefect, also appreciated CYPF, noting that the facility would promote cleanliness and improve the school environment.
