Representatives of FCT secondary schools and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs pledged to sustain efforts to close menstrual hygiene education gaps and improve sanitary product access, continuing the Tabitha Cumi Foundation’s initiative.
They made the commitment on Wednesday during the baseline dissemination meeting for principals and vice principals under the Always Keeping Girls In School (AKGIS) project.
The project is funded by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America) and implemented by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) in Abuja.
The Programme Manager at TCF, Mrs Nendirmwa Ohah said the study aimed to establish a detailed baseline of various qualitative and quantitative indicators of the AKGIS project to guide its activities.
She explained that the findings revealed menstrual education gaps, limited access to sanitary pads, poor hygiene facilities, harmful taboo practices, and low awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among the 140 respondents.
“The AKGIS project aims to increase retention of 1,600 marginalised girls by providing hygienic sanitary materials and accurate information on menstrual hygiene management in FCT, Lagos, and Benue states.
“We need to drive the sustainability of these programmes ourselves. Community-led or school-led initiatives are essential, where girls can access this information in schools and clubs.
“No girl should be left behind on menstrual hygiene management and information because it is a normal biological function,” she emphasised.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs (FMoWA), noted that menstrual health had long been shrouded in stigma, misinformation, and neglect in spite of being a vital aspect of public health, gender equality, and education.
Represented by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of FMoWA, Mrs Gloria Michael she commended TCF for supporting women and girls in managing their menstrual periods safely and confidently.
“Many girls are forced to miss school or drop out entirely, undermining their potential and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
“I am proud to say that Tabitha Cumi Foundation has given hope to these downtrodden girls.
“We are expanding menstrual hygiene education, supporting local production and distribution of sanitary materials, and advocating for menstrual-friendly policies in MDAs, schools, and public institutions.”
The minister added, “Our aim is clear: no girl should ever have to choose between her education and her period.
“We know this is not a task government can achieve alone. It requires collective action from all stakeholders,” she said.
Also,the Deputy Director of the Placement and Gender Unit at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Safiya Tamanuwa said the agency would ensure that findings from the project’s impact were addressed.
“We have seen the positive impact on our girls. It came at a timely moment because some principals, especially men, did not fully understand menstrual hygiene management before this sensitisation,” she said.
The Principal of Abuja School of the Deaf, Kuje, Abdurazaq Ademola said, “Tabitha Cumi Foundation has intervened in the menstrual hygiene situation.
“In the past, some of our students used rags or other materials during their menstrual cycle.
“But now, through the intervention supplying pads in schools, our students have access to sanitary products and have learned to maintain proper hygiene during their periods.”
The Principal of Junior Secondary School, Area 11, Gold Fatima added that students attended classes more regularly and did not stay home during their menstrual cycles thanks to the AKGIS project.
She said, “When girls come to the office for assistance during their periods, we quickly provide help, enabling them to feel free and stay in class to attend lessons.”
The Head Teacher of FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje, Mr Ikpangetor Isaac expressed appreciation to the organisation for empowering girls with special needs with information and sanitary products to manage their menstrual cycles.
By Justina Auta
