The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF) has said that good sanitation and improved menstrual hygiene in Nigerian schools encourage girls’ attendance and foster better relations between students.
Mr Tony Eleme, Programme Manager at YEF, made the remarks during a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) media engagement session in Lagos on Tuesday. The event brought together media representatives, students, teachers, facilitators, and other stakeholders in the MHM space.
Eleme said the project, supported by a £1 million funding boost, focused on upgrading school sanitation facilities and addressing the social challenges faced by schoolgirls during their menstrual periods.
“Improved school toilets and hand-washing facilities boost girls’ attendance and encourage mutual support among students,” Eleme said.
He added: “When toilets are inadequate, girls avoid school during their periods because they are unsure how to discard sanitary pads, when to change, or how to maintain hygiene. Good sanitation systems make them feel supported. In some schools, poor toilet facilities were a major deterrent.”
Eleme also noted that the initiative had positively changed how boys interact with girls experiencing menstrual challenges.
“Previously, boys would make fun of girls, but now they are beginning to understand and support them,” he said, citing feedback from the participating schools.
Some community facilitators were recognized for their leadership roles in supporting the programme. “These are people who have helped us manage the project,” Eleme said, highlighting the collaborative approach taken by the team.
He added that lessons learned from the project could be replicated in other schools to improve hygiene and student relations.
Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Executive Secretary of YEF, said the MHM programme had a profound impact on students, educating both girls and boys. She acknowledged the efforts of teachers and other stakeholders and emphasized that more work remains to achieve the project’s objectives.
“We must target specific goals for students to ensure their continued engagement and learning on menstrual hygiene management,” Akin-Jimoh said, calling for continued support to ensure the project’s success.
Students also showcased their learnings from the programme, including making reusable sanitary towels.
Akinbide Aneezat, 12, of Ajumoni Junior Secondary School, said she had applied the knowledge gained to her personal hygiene, including making reusable sanitary towels.
Chinorom Chinenye, 14, of Gbaja Senior High School, Surulere, demonstrated how she now makes reusable sanitary pads, commending the organizers for the initiative.
